A second sloth from a troubled Florida tourist attraction has died after being transferred to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens for rehabilitation. Habanero, an adult male sloth, was euthanized after his condition worsened, zoo officials announced.
Habanero was one of 13 sloths surrendered by Sloth World, a local attraction that never opened. Another sloth named Bandit died last week. The zoo said all the sloths arrived underweight and suffering from gastrointestinal issues requiring intensive care.
"When the sloths arrived, all were underweight and are being treated for gastrointestinal issues, requiring intensive, specialized care," the zoo said in a statement. "Habanero initially showed encouraging signs of stabilization, including eating and drinking regularly under the close supervision of the zoo's veterinary and animal care teams. In recent days, however, his condition worsened."
Investigation Underway
Local and state authorities are investigating Sloth World's treatment of the animals. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 31 deaths between December 2024 and February 2025.
In December 2024, 21 sloths imported from Guyana died at Sanctuary World Imports when temperatures dropped to 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Sloths cannot regulate body temperature well and thrive in 68-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The attraction then ordered 10 sloths from Peru, arriving in February 2025. Two were dead on arrival, and the rest died from poor health issues, according to the state report.
Zoo Seeking Donations
The Central Florida Zoo is now accepting donations to help care for the remaining sloths. The investigation continues as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into Sloth World following the deaths of 31 animals imported from South America.
