ORLANDO, Fla. – After dozens of sloth deaths tied to the failed attraction, Sloth World, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation found no evidence of criminal activity.
The sheriff’s office released an investigative report on Wednesday. Over three months, investigators reviewed facility records, veterinary documentation, FWC inspection records, and diagnostic findings, and conducted more than 20 interviews with state and national experts.
Sloth World, founded by Ben Agresta, was planned as an interactive attraction on International Drive where visitors could meet and hold sloths. It never opened. In total, 55 sloths died after being imported from Guyana and Peru.
Investigators determined the deaths resulted from multiple contributing factors, including disease, transportation stress, copper and nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and pre-existing health conditions. Pathology findings pointed to a widespread infectious disease process, most likely viral.
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services inspector confirmed that none of the sloth species were protected under CITES — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species — or the Endangered Species Act at the time of import. Two sloth species were added to CITES Appendix II on March 5, 2026, but the final shipment arrived March 2 — three days before protections took effect.
Thirteen critically ill sloths were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford in April 2026. Five later died. Eight remain in the zoo’s care.
Investigators also visited two quarantine facilities used to house the sloths. Both were secured and locked during the May 2026 walkthrough, though exterior observations revealed climate control equipment, running water, and wooden animal shipping crates still on site.
The deaths sparked outrage and prompted policy changes. Florida now requires a special permit before sloths can be imported into the state, and Orange County commissioners are exploring a potential ban on using exotic wildlife for commercial entertainment.
The case has been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
The full report can be read in the media player below: