Sloth World Orlando Files for Bankruptcy After Mass Animal Deaths

The owner of Sloth World Orlando, Ben Agresta, announced on Friday, April 24, 2026, that he will file for bankruptcy protection and cancel all plans to open the attraction following a series of animal fatalities and regulatory intervention.

Agresta confirmed the decision to FOX 35 after the remaining 13 sloths from his facility were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for medical evaluation and long-term care.

"It’s been rough on everybody. We expect to go under the bankruptcy immediately as with our sloth population in full control by AZA and no plans to open, we have no other options," Agresta said to FOX 35 reporter Marie Edinger.

The Central Florida Zoo confirmed that the 13 sloths, which include both Hoffmann’s and Linnaeus’s two-toed species, were moved from an International Drive warehouse on Friday. One of the transferred animals is reportedly pregnant.

According to a news release from the zoo, the animals are currently in a mandatory 30-day quarantine. Veterinary teams are monitoring their nutrition and health before the Species Survival Plan Program finds permanent placement at accredited facilities.

The closure follows a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report detailing the deaths of 31 sloths previously intended for the exhibit. While investigators cited harsh warehouse conditions and low temperatures, Agresta disputed those findings in a statement issued Friday evening.

Agresta attributed the deaths to an undetectable virus rather than environmental factors. He stated that his staff of 22 ambassadors utilized every available resource and outside help to care for the mammals during the outbreak.

"The truth is, we lost sloths that had a virus of which showed barely any symptoms and was undetectable even after necropsy," Agresta said in his statement to FOX 35. He maintained that his staff acted with compassion and that the virus was unpreventable.

The Central Florida Zoo stated that the public will not be able to view the sloths during their stay. The facility will work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to ensure the long-term sustainability of the population.