Florida officials are investigating the deaths of at least 31 sloths at the now-shuttered “Sloth World” facility in Orlando. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a statewide prosecutor, who is also an animal welfare law expert, will assist the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office in the case. “Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves. We will ensure accountability wherever the evidence requires,” Uthmeier said in a letter responding to calls for action. State Rep. Anna Eskamani has been working with colleagues to demand accountability and policy changes following the sloths’ deaths. “These sloths did not grow up in captivity. They were stolen from the wild and brought for human entertainment to Florida. That alone should be prohibited,” Eskamani said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the conditions at the warehouse where the animals died. Eskamani criticized the agency’s handling of the situation. “This has been not just an outrage for the public, but so many opportunities for FWC to step in. FWC renewed his permit, and they backdated it, even though 31-some sloths had died under his ownership. So a lot of questions to still be answered here,” Eskamani said. While the investigation continues, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford is caring for the surviving sloths, some of which arrived in critical condition. “We brought them in here to give them the best life they could have for however long that is, whether that’s, you know, two hours or 20 years. And so we want to make the best decision for them,” said Richard Glover, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo. One of the rescued sloths remains in critical condition as the zoo works to provide care and support for the animals.
Florida officials are investigating the deaths of at least 31 sloths at the now-shuttered “Sloth World” facility in Orlando.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that a statewide prosecutor, who is also an animal welfare law expert, will assist the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office in the case.
“Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves. We will ensure accountability wherever the evidence requires,” Uthmeier said in a letter responding to calls for action.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani has been working with colleagues to demand accountability and policy changes following the sloths’ deaths.
“These sloths did not grow up in captivity. They were stolen from the wild and brought for human entertainment to Florida. That alone should be prohibited,” Eskamani said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the conditions at the warehouse where the animals died. Eskamani criticized the agency’s handling of the situation.
“This has been not just an outrage for the public, but so many opportunities for FWC to step in. FWC renewed his permit, and they backdated it, even though 31-some sloths had died under his ownership. So a lot of questions to still be answered here,” Eskamani said.
While the investigation continues, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford is caring for the surviving sloths, some of which arrived in critical condition.
“We brought them in here to give them the best life they could have for however long that is, whether that’s, you know, two hours or 20 years. And so we want to make the best decision for them,” said Richard Glover, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo.
One of the rescued sloths remains in critical condition as the zoo works to provide care and support for the animals.
