WKMG News 6 and the Orlando Business Journal report that the Central Florida Zoological and Botanical Garden has adopted 13 sloths following the collapse of a proposed Central Florida tourist attraction known as “Sloth World,” creating new financial and operational challenges for the nonprofit facility.
The move comes less than a week after state investigators reported that more than 30 sloths died while in the care of the potential attraction. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the animals were brought in before facilities were properly prepared to house them. Investigators said the sloths were not kept at the main attraction, but at a separate location near International Drive.
Amid growing backlash, state officials confirmed that the “World of Sloths” project would not move forward, prompting efforts to relocate the surviving animals.
Central Florida Zoo CEO Richard Glover told the Orlando Business Journal that the zoo was contacted by Sloth World founder Ben Agresta about rehoming the animals. Glover said zoos first need to assess whether they have the space and resources to safely host them.
“We had to do our due diligence and check the quarantine area to make sure there was enough space to accommodate all the animals,” Glover said. “As soon as we felt like we could do it, we said yes.”
The sloth is currently housed in a quarantine area at the zoo and is expected to remain there for at least 30 days. Glover cautioned that not all animals would survive, noting that some animals arrived in poor conditions, including dehydration and low body weight. He added that sloths’ slow metabolism makes recovery efforts particularly difficult.
The unexpected intake of animals is also putting pressure on zoos’ finances. Glover told the Orlando Business Journal that the facility operates on an annual budget of about $12.4 million and typically breaks even. Caring for a sloth comes with unexpected expenses that can cost thousands of dollars.
“It’s definitely a burden for nonprofits like this,” Glover said. “But that’s what we’re here for. We’re going to figure it out and find the money.”
The financial pressure comes as tourist attractions across Central Florida face a downturn in consumer spending. Glover noted that zoos, aquariums and museums are seeing declines in attendance and visitor spending as households cut back on discretionary spending.
To help cover costs, the zoo has launched a public fundraising campaign, which is gaining traction as interest in the rescued animals grows. The zoo has also installed cameras in the isolation area to monitor the sloth’s condition and record its recovery, while limiting human interaction to reduce stress.
At the same time, zoo authorities are taking precautions to protect both animals and staff. Employees entering the isolation area must wear protective equipment such as full-body suits and masks to minimize the risk of contamination.
This situation also highlights the mental burden on animal care staff. A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that 55% of animal care workers report burnout, compared to 32% of other zoo workers, due to frequent exposure to animal pain and loss.
Glover said about seven of the zoo’s 130 employees are currently assigned to care for the sloths, and leaders are working to ensure staff are prepared for the possibility that some animals may not survive.
“This is the harsh reality of our job,” Glover said. “But it also speaks to the resilience of our team, who love animals and are fully committed to our mission to continue working every day.”
WKMG News 6 and the Orlando Business Journal reported that the zoo will continue to closely monitor the animals over the coming weeks as rehabilitation efforts progress.
