Target: Roger Young, Executive Director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Goal: Investigate and penalize any violations linked to sloth deaths at a proposed tourist attraction.
More than 30 wild sloths reportedly died after being imported from South America and held near Orlando for a proposed attraction. State records apparently showed at least 31 deaths between late 2024 and early 2025, after sloths were brought from Guyana and Peru.
Inspection and necropsy records described conditions unsuitable for arboreal rainforest species. The facility allegedly lacked reliable electricity and running water when sloths arrived. Space heaters seemingly failed, leaving animals exposed to cold. Some sloths apparently showed emaciation, infection and severe physiological stress.
Although the attraction later announced it would not open and surviving sloths were relocated, accountability remains necessary. If cages failed to meet legal requirements and animals died after exposure to unsuitable conditions, enforcement should not end with a warning. Sign below to demand justice for these innocent animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Executive Director Young,
Records show that more than 30 sloths died after being imported and held for a proposed tourist attraction. These animals were seemingly exposed to cold, confinement and stress, with necropsies reporting infectious disease and severe physiological strain as contributing factors.
Sloths are highly specialized animals adapted to tropical forest canopies. If they were kept in a warehouse without reliable heat, electricity or proper conditions, the suffering may have been predictable and preventable. The scale of death demands more than administrative concern.
We respectfully urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to review all records, determine whether violations occurred and impose appropriate penalties if the evidence supports enforcement. Wildlife attractions must not profit from fragile animals while failing to meet basic welfare standards.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: MariaCartas
