ORLANDO, Fla. – Another sloth joins the dozens who have died ahead of the opening of Sloth World in Orlando.
Sloth World was supposed to open as an attraction on International Drive. That is not happening now, after it was learned that 31 sloths intended for the attraction had died between December of 2024 and February of last year.
According to the Central Florida Zoo, Habanero, died over the weekend.
Thirteen other sloths meant for the attraction, including Habanero, were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. Doctors say the animals were in various states of dehydration and malnutrition.
Habanero was one of the sloths identified as most vulnerable when the sloths were taken as a donation from Sloth World, the zoo posted on social media.
While their team saw some early signs of progress after treatment, Habanero began rapidly deteriorating Thursday afternoon and he was humanely euthanized on Saturday.
Another one of those animals, a three-month-old baby named Bandit, died last week, the zoo reported.
On Friday, News 6 reported that Florida prosecutors are looking into whether criminal charges are possible.
Attorney General James Uthmeier responded to a call for a criminal investigation from State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando. According to Uthmeier, it will be up to Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell to determine if any criminal charges can be brought against Sloth World’s owners.
Uthmeier said Lauryn Day, a senior assistant statewide prosecutor and animal welfare law expert, is working with Worrell’s office.
“Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves,” Uthmeier wrote to Eskamani. “We will ensure accountability wherever the evidence requires.”