Investigations into the deaths of dozens of sloths linked to the failed Sloth World attraction in Orlando have concluded without criminal charges, as US lawmakers call for tighter protections against the commercial importation of the animals.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office found no evidence of intentional harm, abuse or criminal neglect in a three-month inquiry into the animals’ deaths. Investigators said the cases were consistent with a complex health incident involving disease and multiple stress factors linked to capture, transport, acclimatisation and care. ([wusf.org](https://www.wusf.org/environment/2026-08-20/orange-county-sheriffs-office-finds-no-evidence-criminal-act-caused-dozens-of-sloth-deaths))
At least 57 sloths have been linked to the planned attraction, which was due to open on International Drive but never received visitors. The animals had been imported from South America and housed at facilities connected to Sloth World before the project was abandoned.
Records reviewed by investigators showed that 21 sloths died at an Orange County warehouse in December 2024 after arriving at a site that had no running water or electricity. Florida wildlife officials said space heaters later failed, leaving the animals without heat for part of the night. ([wusf.org](https://www.wusf.org/environment/2026-08-20/orange-county-sheriffs-office-finds-no-evidence-criminal-act-caused-dozens-of-sloth-deaths))
A further shipment from Peru arrived in February 2025. Two sloths died on arrival, while the remaining eight were described in state records as emaciated and in very poor health before later dying.
The sheriff’s report said experts identified medical problems affecting the animals’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, nutritional and metabolic systems. It concluded that the deaths resulted from “multiple contributing factors” rather than a criminal act, and the case has been passed to the State Attorney’s Office for any further review. ([cmg-cmg-tv-10070-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com](https://cmg-cmg-tv-10070-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/news/local/orange-county-sheriffs-office-finds-no-criminal-neglect-sloth-world-deaths/EDTHOTEOIJCORPSSAKSQJ6JOXE/))
Lawmakers seek ban on commercial sloth imports
The investigation’s conclusion has intensified calls for changes to animal welfare rules. Congressman Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat, and Republican Congresswoman Laurel Lee have introduced the bipartisan Stopping Legalized Organised Trafficking and Harm to Sloths Act, known as the SLOTHS Act.
The proposed legislation would prohibit sloth imports into the United States, with limited exceptions for documented research and conservation-focused breeding programmes at accredited institutions. It would also allow civil penalties of up to $20,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000 for knowing violations, and the cancellation of federal authorisations. ([frost.house.gov](https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/on-international-sloth-day-rep-frost-introduces-sloths-act-alongside-congresswoman-lee-local-leaders-and-animal-advocates-to-prevent-animal-cruelty-and-stop-sloth-trafficking))
Mr Frost said the animals had specialised care requirements and that the bill was intended to prevent a similar tragedy. Ms Lee said the Sloth World case had raised questions about whether existing laws did enough to prevent harm, while stressing that responsible zoos and conservation programmes would not be targeted. ([frost.house.gov](https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/on-international-sloth-day-rep-frost-introduces-sloths-act-alongside-congresswoman-lee-local-leaders-and-animal-advocates-to-prevent-animal-cruelty-and-stop-sloth-trafficking))
Florida has already introduced tighter permitting requirements for sloth imports after a temporary state ban expired. Each shipment must now be permitted separately, with facilities and transport cages subject to inspection, rather than being covered by a general wildlife import permit. ([wusf.org](https://www.wusf.org/environment/2026-08-20/orange-county-sheriffs-office-finds-no-evidence-criminal-act-caused-dozens-of-sloth-deaths))
Thirteen surviving sloths were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens earlier this year, although five later died. The remaining animals are being cared for away from public view, with the zoo backing the proposed federal restrictions.
