Habanero the Sloth Dies at Central Florida Zoo as Sloth World Investigation Continues
A second sloth transferred from Orlando’s troubled Sloth World has died while receiving care at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford.
The zoo said Habanero, an adult male, was euthanized Saturday after his condition declined following a period of critical illness. He was one of 13 two-toed sloths accepted by the zoo after Sloth World, a planned Orlando tourist attraction, gave up the animals. Another sloth, Bandit, died last week after arriving in the most critical condition.
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The zoo said all of the sloths arrived underweight and are being treated for gastrointestinal issues requiring intensive care. Eleven remain in the zoo’s care, with two in guarded condition.
The deaths come as state and local authorities investigate Sloth World after inspection reports revealed 31 sloth deaths between December 2024 and February 2025. The case now carries legal and policy stakes for animal welfare enforcement and oversight of exotic animal attractions.
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