SANFORD, Fla. – There’s nothing slow about the demand for sloth shirts benefiting the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
The shirts, which feature the Central Florida Zoo’s official logo and the slogan “Help Us Hang In There,” were created to support sloths the zoo took in following the collapse of Sloth World, an Orlando facility tied to severe neglect and malnutrition.
According to Sanford Main Street, a new batch of the popular fundraiser shirts is back in stock at the Sanford Welcome Center in Sanford. For those who can’t make it in person, the shirts are also available for purchase online through the Sanford Main Street website.
The response has been overwhelming. Supporters from 34 states have placed online orders, and the first run of 100 shirts sold out quickly.
Shirts are priced at $35 in unisex sizes. Youth sizes are also available.
[WATCH: Proceeds from shirt sales go to sloths’ needs]
Mr. Ginger still fighting
Records obtained by News 6 from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services show at least 55 sloths died in connection with the facility. Three of the 13 sloths taken in by the Central Florida Zoo have since passed away.
The Central Florida Zoo’s latest update on the sloths confirmed all of the animals recently completed full checkups, including radiographs, blood draws, fluid treatments, and body condition evaluations.
Zoo veterinary and animal care teams worked to keep the process as stress-free as possible — even offering the sloths breakfast during exams.
The smallest and youngest of the group, Mr. Ginger, remains in very critical condition. The rest of the sloths are still in intensive care but in more stable condition.
“We’ll continue evaluating and adjusting care and treatment to give them the best chance of survival,” the zoo wrote in its update.
How to help
Shirts can be purchased in person at the Sanford Welcome Center or online.
Supporters are also encouraged to post a photo wearing their sloth shirt in front of a local landmark, tag their city, and use the hashtag #SanfordLovesSloths to help spread awareness.