By Jim Carchidi
August 5, 2026
Attempts to prevent another Sloth World disaster continued Tuesday when Orange County commissioners approved an effort to explore local regulations on exotic wildlife attractions.
No criminal charges
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) temporarily banned most sloth imports in May, following the deaths of 31 animals linked to the Sloth World attraction on International Drive. Public outcry over the deaths and alleged negligence increased when surviving sloths transferred to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens were found to be suffering from malnutrition and other critical conditions. However, FWC announced last week that an investigation into the incident found no evidence of neglect or abuse that would support criminal charges.
Prevention
Commissioner Nicole Wilson brought the matter before the Orange County Board during an Aug. 4 meeting. She requested information on whether the county could regulate or prohibit commercial exotic wildlife exhibits via local business licensing and zoning rules.
“We need to make sure that we’re correcting that and really signaling that we’re not going to let that happen again,” she said.
State Rep. and Orlando mayoral candidate Anna Eskamani attended the meeting to voice her concerns regarding exotic animal protections.
“What’s important to remember is that we are the number one tourism destination in the world, and what happened at Sloth World has created a huge stain on that record."
Wilson’s suggestion was unanimously approved by commissioners and further discussions will be added to a future meeting agenda.
Ongoing care
Five of the 13 surviving Sloth World sloths succumbed to severe malnutrition and medical complications. The remaining eight are out of quarantine and receiving ongoing veterinary care at Central Florida Zoo.
As part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), Central Florida Zoo is working with accredited organizations to care for the remaining sloths. Once fully rehabilitated, they will be placed with other AZA facilities with some remaining at Central Florida Zoo.
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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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