Nearly 30 sloths died at a Florida animal import warehouse between 2024 and 2025 due to cold temperatures and poor health conditions, according to state wildlife authorities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that 21 sloths imported from Guyana perished in December 2024 when temperatures dropped to 40–55°F (4.4–12.8°C). Sloths, which struggle to regulate body temperature, thrive in 68–85°F (20–30°C) environments, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Facility Conditions and Failures
The Orlando facility, initially named Sanctuary World Imports, lacked water, electricity, and proper heating when the sloths arrived. Peter Bandre, the facility’s licensee, stated that space heaters failed, leaving the animals without heat for at least one night. He also noted that canceling the shipment was not an option. In February 2025, the facility imported 10 more sloths from Peru, two of which arrived dead. The remaining eight died from emaciation and poor health, according to the FWC report. Bandre acknowledged plans to hire a third veterinarian for the facility.
Ownership Changes and Ongoing Issues
By March 2026, the facility had rebranded as Sloth World Inc., with Benjamin Agresta as president. Bandre was no longer affiliated with the business. Follow-up inspections revealed ongoing concerns, though specific details were not disclosed in the reports. Attempts to contact both facilities for comment were unsuccessful.
Regulatory and Ethical Concerns
The deaths raise questions about animal welfare standards in exotic pet imports. The FWC report did not specify whether legal action was taken against the facility. Advocates for animal rights have previously criticized the exotic pet trade for inadequate oversight, though no direct statements were included in the reports.