Disease and cold kill nearly 30 sloths at a Florida import warehouse

Nearly 30 sloths perished at a Florida animal import facility over a span of several months due to exposure to cold temperatures and disease, according to a recent inspection report from state wildlife authorities.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation investigation revealed that 21 sloths imported from Guyana died at Sanctuary World Imports in Orlando in December 2024. The deaths occurred when temperatures at the facility plummeted to between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 to 12.8 degrees Celsius), well below the suitable range for these tropical mammals.

Sloths, native to the warm rainforests of Central and South America, have limited ability to regulate their body temperature compared to other mammals. The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service notes that these animals thrive in environments between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius), making them particularly vulnerable to colder conditions.

Peter Bandre, identified as the facility licensee in the report, attributed the mass die-off to what he described as a “cold stun.” According to his statement, the building lacked both water and electricity and was unprepared to house the animals when they arrived. Despite this knowledge, Bandre claimed it was too late to cancel the shipment.

The facility attempted to mitigate the cold conditions by purchasing space heaters. However, these emergency measures proved inadequate when the heaters tripped a fuse and shut down, leaving the tropical animals without heat for at least one night.

Just months later, in February 2025, the facility ordered 10 additional sloths from Peru. Upon arrival, two were already dead, and the remaining eight appeared emaciated. These animals subsequently died from what the report described as “poor health issues.” At the time of the inspection, Bandre indicated plans to hire a new veterinarian—the facility’s third.

The Associated Press attempted to contact Bandre at the number listed for Sanctuary World Imports on the August report but received no immediate response.

The case has brought renewed attention to the exotic animal trade and the challenges associated with properly caring for specialized tropical species in non-native environments. Animal welfare advocates have long criticized the commercial trade in exotic animals, particularly when facilities lack proper infrastructure or expertise to maintain appropriate conditions.

State inspection records show that follow-up visits were conducted in March 2026, revealing significant changes at the facility. According to these later reports, Benjamin Agresta, identified as Sanctuary World President, stated that the company had been renamed Sloth World Inc. and that Bandre was no longer affiliated with the business.

During these subsequent inspections, officials noted improvements to the facility where the Guyanese sloths had died. The location now featured independent heating and air conditioning systems consistently maintaining temperatures at approximately 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 degrees Celsius)—within the optimal range for sloth health. Inspectors reported no visible issues with the sloths being held at the time.

Wildlife officials continue to monitor the situation, though the case highlights ongoing concerns about regulation and oversight in the exotic animal import industry. The United States remains one of the world’s largest importers of wildlife, with thousands of exotic animals entering the country annually for commercial purposes, including the pet trade, entertainment, and exhibition.

The sloth deaths underscore the critical importance of proper climate control, veterinary care, and specialized knowledge when housing tropical species outside their natural habitats, particularly in regions that experience seasonal temperature fluctuations unlike those in the animals’ native environments.