ORLANDO, Fla. – A third sloth has died at the Central Florida Zoo following the rescue of 13 animals connected to the failed Sloth World attraction in Orlando.
The Central Florida Zoo announced Tuesday on social media that Dumpling, one of the sloths received at the facility on April 24, had passed away.
“This has been an incredibly difficult week for our team, as everyone involved in caring for these animals can attest,” the zoo wrote.
Dumpling had been struggling with digestion and gastrointestinal issues since arriving at the zoo. The animal took a sudden and rapid downturn on Monday morning, according to the zoo’s post.
Zoo officials noted that sloths have a tendency to hide signs of extreme illness until it is often too late for reversal, at which point their condition can decline rapidly and without warning. They also noted that sloths’ slow metabolisms mean pre-existing issues could take many weeks to surface.
“Dumpling’s death reflects that this is a day-by-day situation here for the remaining sloths in our care,” the zoo wrote.
Ten sloths remain in the zoo’s care.
Dumpling’s death follows the losses of two other sloths, Habanero and Bandit. Habanero, identified as one of the most vulnerable animals when the sloths arrived, began rapidly deteriorating and was humanely euthanized. Bandit died the week prior.
The 13 sloths were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford after it was learned that 31 sloths intended for the Sloth World attraction had died between December 2024 and February 2025. Sloth World had been set to open on International Drive in Orlando before the deaths were made public.
Doctors said the animals arrived at the zoo in various states of dehydration and malnutrition.
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.”