In a distressing incident at a Florida animal import warehouse, nearly 30 sloths perished due to disease and cold temperatures between 2024 and 2025. This alarming situation was highlighted in a report by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, which detailed the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these vulnerable animals.
The report, published in August 2025, revealed that 21 sloths had been imported from Guyana to an Orlando facility called Sanctuary World Imports. Tragically, these sloths died in December 2024 when the temperatures dropped into the range of 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 to 12.8 degrees Celsius). Sloths are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, as they cannot regulate their body heat as effectively as other mammals. According to guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, sloths thrive best within a temperature range of 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius).
A key figure in this incident, Peter Bandre, who was identified as the facility licensee, described the sloths' deaths as resulting from what he termed a "cold stun." Bandre stated that the facility lacked access to water and electricity and was unprepared to receive the animals at the time of their arrival. He claimed that it was too late to cancel the shipment once the issues became apparent. Although the facility had purchased space heaters to combat the cold, they malfunctioned, tripping a fuse and shutting down, which left the sloths without heat for at least one night. This neglect likely contributed significantly to their untimely deaths.
In February 2025, the situation at Sanctuary World Imports worsened as the facility ordered an additional shipment of 10 sloths from Peru. Upon their arrival, it was found that two were dead on arrival, while the others appeared emaciated and succumbed to what the report described as "poor health issues." Bandre mentioned plans to interview candidates for a new veterinarian, marking the facility's third attempt to secure veterinary care, as per the findings of the state report.
Following the incident, inquiries were made into the facility's practices, leading to additional inspections in March 2026. By this time, a change in leadership had occurred, with Benjamin Agresta taking over as president and rebranding Sanctuary World Imports to Sloth World Inc. The report indicated that Bandre was no longer affiliated with the business, signifying a shift in operations and management.
Subsequent inspections unveiled that the facility now had independent heating and air conditioning systems, consistently maintaining a temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.8 degrees Celsius), which aligned with the recommended requirements for the care of sloths. Observations from inspectors during these visits confirmed that there were no apparent issues with the sloths currently housed at the facility.
The circumstances surrounding the sloths' deaths at Sanctuary World Imports underline the critical need for proper care and conditions for imported animals. As regulations and oversight become increasingly scrutinized, the fate of these sloths serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with wildlife importation and the humane treatment of vulnerable species.
