Florida's 'Sloth World': 31 Sloths Died in Warehouse Before Attraction Could Open
What happened
Florida authorities have opened an investigation into a planned tourist attraction after 31 sloths died in a warehouse before the venue, branded 'Sloth World', could open to the public. The animals — imported from Guyana and Peru — were found to have died of 'cold stun', having been kept in a building without power or running water.
What investigators are looking at
- Import permits. Whether the original wildlife import paperwork from Guyana and Peru was legitimate, and whether the attraction had a USDA Class C exhibitor licence.
- Animal welfare statutes. Florida's animal cruelty laws and federal Animal Welfare Act provisions both apply.
- Refunds and pre-sales. Some tickets were sold before the venue had legal occupancy.
Why it became viral
The story has all the elements of a moment that breaks containment: a charismatic species, a clearly preventable cause of death, and a venue name ('Sloth World') that reads as bleak satire. Animal-welfare groups are already using it to push for tighter rules on charismatic-species exhibits.
What to watch
- Charges, if any, against the attraction's principals.
- Reaction from Guyana and Peru, the source countries — both of which have tightened wildlife export rules in recent years.
- Whether the surviving animals (and there are reportedly some) are placed with accredited sanctuaries.
Sources
- BBC / The Guardian
- BBC — Thirty-one sloths die in Florida before opening of attraction
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