Florida Import Warehouse Faces Scrutiny After Nearly 30 Sloths Die Due to Cold and Sickness
A Florida animal import warehouse, Sanctuary World Imports, has come under investigation following the deaths of nearly 30 sloths between 2024 and 2025. According to a report by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 21 sloths imported from Guyana died in December 2024 when temperatures at the Orlando facility dropped to between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Sloths, which thrive in temperatures ranging from 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, were unable to survive the cold conditions. The facility, lacking water and electricity, was unprepared to receive the animals, and attempts to use space heaters failed when a fuse tripped. In February 2025, another shipment of 10 sloths from Peru resulted in two sloths dead on arrival, with the remainder dying from poor health conditions. The facility's licensee, Peter Bandre, acknowledged the issues and mentioned plans to hire a new veterinarian. Subsequent inspections in March 2026 revealed improvements, including independent heating and air conditioning systems. 
