Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has taken in 13 sloths following the collapse of a planned Central Florida tourist attraction known as “Sloth World,” creating new financial and operational challenges for the nonprofit facility, according to reporting from WKMG News 6 and Orlando Business Journal.
The move comes less than a week after state investigators reported that more than 30 sloths died while under the care of the would-be attraction. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the animals had been brought in before the facility was properly prepared to house them. Investigators said the sloths were kept off-site at a separate location near International Drive rather than at the main attraction.
Amid mounting backlash, state officials confirmed the “Sloth World” project would not move forward, prompting efforts to relocate the surviving animals.
Central Florida Zoo CEO Richard Glover told Orlando Business Journal that the zoo was contacted by Sloth World founder Ben Agresta about rehoming the animals. Glover said the zoo first had to assess whether it had the space and resources to safely accept them.
“We had to do our due diligence and take our look at our quarantine area… whether we had enough space to take in all of the animals,” Glover said. “As soon as we felt like we could do it, we said yes.”
The sloths are now being housed in a quarantine area at the zoo, where they are expected to remain for at least 30 days. Glover cautioned that not all of the animals may survive, noting that some arrived in poor condition, including dehydration and low body weight. He added that sloths’ slow metabolisms make recovery efforts particularly challenging.
The unexpected intake is also straining the zoo’s finances. Glover told Orlando Business Journal the facility operates on an annual budget of about $12.4 million and typically breaks even. Caring for the sloths represents an unplanned expense that could cost thousands of dollars.
“It’s definitely taxing on a nonprofit organization like this,” Glover said. “But it’s what we’re here for—we’re going to figure it out and find the money.”
The financial pressure comes as attractions across Central Florida face softer consumer spending. Glover noted that zoos, aquariums and museums are seeing declines in attendance and visitor spending as households cut back on discretionary expenses.
To help offset costs, the zoo has launched a public fundraising campaign, which has gained traction amid heightened interest in the rescued animals. The zoo is also documenting the sloths’ recovery, installing cameras in the quarantine area to monitor their condition while limiting human interaction to reduce stress.
At the same time, zoo officials are taking precautions to protect both animals and staff. Employees entering the quarantine area are required to wear protective gear, including full-body suits and masks, to minimize contamination risks.
The situation has also highlighted the emotional toll 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 employees, citing frequent exposure to animal suffering and loss.
Glover said about seven of the zoo’s 130 employees are currently assigned to care for the sloths, and leadership has made efforts to ensure staff are prepared for the possibility that some animals may not survive.
“It is a hard reality of the work we do,” Glover said. “But it also speaks to the resilience of a team that loves the animals and the mission enough to keep showing up every day.”
Both WKMG News 6 and the Orlando Business Journal reported that the zoo will continue to monitor the animals closely in the coming weeks as rehabilitation efforts move forward.
