ORLANDO, Fla. – A Central Florida lawmaker is calling for a state and federal investigation into an Orlando area animal attraction after a sloth rescued from the facility died just days after being taken into care.
The Central Florida Zoo announced Wednesday that one of more than a dozen sloths it recently rescued from the attraction known as “Sloth World” has died. The animal, named Bandit, was among 13 sloths the zoo took in last week as officials worked to evaluate their health.
Hours after the zoo confirmed the death, state Rep. Anna Eskamani called for accountability, urging both state and federal agencies to investigate the business and its owner.
Eskamani said she sent a letter to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier requesting a formal investigation, citing concerns about animal welfare and broader management issues tied to the attraction.
“All of this speaks to how there needs to be accountability,” Eskamani said. She added that lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about the situation.
[RELATED: Central Florida Zoo doctors say 13 Sloth World sloths have dehydration, malnutrition]
The call for an investigation comes amid mounting scrutiny over past conditions at the facility. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 31 sloths died during a cold snap in December 2024 after being kept without proper habitat conditions.
Despite those deaths, state records indicate the owner, Ben Agresta, continued importing additional sloths and moved forward with plans to open the attraction. A recent FWC inspection report listed 28 sloths at the facility prior to the zoo’s intervention. According to those documents, at least 15 sloths would be unaccounted for as of Wednesday.
Zoo officials said last week they were still assessing the animals after removing them from the property. The announcement of Bandit’s death marks the first confirmed fatality since the rescue.
Eskamani also raised concerns about potential gaps in Florida law, warning that without enforcement or legislative changes, similar situations could happen again.
“If there’s not criminal charges and if there’s not a closing of these loopholes in Florida law, nothing stops someone from pursuing the same type of business model,” she said.
The FWC has not confirmed whether it has opened a formal investigation into the deaths or the treatment of the animals. In response to an inquiry, the agency said it had added a law enforcement coordinator to the communication but has not provided further updates.
[RELATED: Sloth attraction on I-Drive shut down before opening after dozens of animal deaths]
In addition to animal welfare concerns, Eskamani said her office has heard complaints from former employees and customers, including allegations of unpaid wages and unissued refunds.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office has not yet said whether it plans to launch an investigation.
The attraction, located along International Drive, appeared quiet Wednesday, with no visible activity outside the building.
Officials say the surviving sloths remain under evaluation as the investigation questions continue.