By Jim Carchidi
April 26, 2026
Five months after the first concepts of Sloth World's “slotharium" exhibits were revealed, plans to open the International Drive attraction ended over animal welfare concerns and facility compliance issues. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is currently caring for 13 donated animals and accepting public assistance with the cost of their recovery.
What was planned
Sloth World was slated to open at the site of a former souvenir shop at 6582 International Dr. The building was still being renovated when operations shut down on Friday, April 24. Photo by Jim Carchidi
A Sloth World concept illustration shows the tour and habitats planned for the attraction.
Sloth World owner Ben Agresta began releasing illustrations of the planned walk-through animal encounter in December 2025. Social media posts touted elaborate habitats and guided tours that prioritized the safety and comfort of about 40 sloths. Doors were initially expected to open in February with $49 advanced tickets selling on the attraction's website.
How it ended
The opening was delayed to late April and construction was still in progress when an April 16 article by Inside Climate News raised serious questions. It cited the findings of a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report regarding the deaths of 31 sloths, which had been imported for the attraction.
The report states 21 sloths died in December 2024 at an industrial building used by Sloth World as a quarantine facility despite a lack of electricity and running water. Space heaters powered by extension cords from another building failed to control dropping temperatures, resulting in the deaths. Another incident involved a shipment of 10 sloths received in February 2025, of which two were dead on arrival. According to the report, the rest “appeared emaciated and in very poor health,” and later died. It was also revealed the industrial building and the Sloth World exhibit building had not received proper licensing to house or exhibit animals.
The story spread across national news outlets and caught the attention of U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, who posted his intent to follow up on the reports. Agresta told Fox 35 Orlando the allegations came down to "false and inaccurate information" and said the deaths were caused by a virus.
On Friday, April 24, Sloth World changed its website to a single landing page which read, “Pardon our dust! We’re working on something amazing - Check back soon!” The same day, Agresta said he was filing for bankruptcy protection and ending plans to open. Attempts to reach Agresta for further comment have been unsuccessful.
Safe haven
The staff at Central Florida Zoo built quarantine enclosures and are posting progress updates on the donated sloths. Some are expected to stay with the zoo while others will be relocated to accredited facilities. Photos courtesy of Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Before Agresta’s statement appeared, Central Florida Zoo announced the donation of 13 two-toed sloths. A press release did not include the identity of the donor but a spokesperson confirmed the animals came from Sloth World.
Footage of staff preparing new enclosures and of sloths acclimating to the environment was provided. The Zoo reports the animals all survived the start of a 30-day quarantine, though it will take time for their health to fully restore. Care and medical treatment are being administered and relocation will be carried out in cooperation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species’ Survival Plan.
“When we were approached about taking in these sloths, the team all agreed it was something we should and wanted to do,” said Central Florida Zoo CEO Richard E. Glover. “By bringing these animals into an accredited setting and participating in the Species Survival Plan, we’re giving them the best possible chance to thrive and helping ensure a healthy, sustainable population of sloths for future generations.”
Central Florida Zoo operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has experience in caring for sloths. According to a post on the Zoo website, the number of quarantined animals requiring special diets, medicines, lab tests, and additional staffing presents a financial challenge. The Zoo is inviting anyone interested in assisting the effort do so via a donation page.
Updates on the 13 sloths will be posted to Central Florida Zoo social media platforms.
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About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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