10/14/26 - 57 Sloths Died. Florida Must Strengthen Its Protections.
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At least 57 sloths died in connection with Sloth World, the planned Orlando tourist attraction that never opened, according to Central Florida Public Media’s reporting. Their deaths demand stronger protections for captive sloths—and an end to treating these animals as tourist attractions.
Florida now has an opportunity to act. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public comments through October 21, 2026, on proposed changes to sloth permitting. The draft would add experience requirements for sloth permit applicants and require facilities to be inspected and approved before permits are issued. But it would exempt certain existing permit holders from the new experience-documentation requirements and does not prohibit commercial hands-on encounters.
CWI has already submitted formal comments
CompassionWorks International supports stronger permitting safeguards and has asked FWC to go further: prohibit commercial encounters that allow visitors to hold, pet, or handle sloths; require existing permit holders to demonstrate relevant experience after a reasonable transition period; and strengthen housing, staff training, and veterinary-care standards. These are additional protections CWI is requesting, not measures already included in the draft.
Sloths are not props for tourist photographs. Better care standards matter, but they must not become an excuse to continue exploiting animals for entertainment.
Speak up by October 21
Use FWC’s public-comment form to ask for stronger protections. You do not need to be an expert: a brief, personal comment explaining why this matters to you can help. Copy the sample below or adapt it in your own words.
I urge FWC to strengthen protections for captive sloths. Please adopt the proposed experience requirements and pre-permit facility inspections, and require existing permit holders to meet the new experience-documentation requirements after a reasonable transition period. Please also prohibit commercial hands-on sloth encounters, including holding, petting, and photo opportunities, and develop stronger housing, staff training, and veterinary-care standards. The deaths associated with Sloth World show why meaningful safeguards and oversight are urgently needed. Sloths should not be subjected to public handling for entertainment. Please put their well-being ahead of commercial interests.
