A wave of tragedy continues for a group of sloths originally destined for a central Florida tourist attraction. Habanero, an adult male, has become the latest victim, euthanized at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens after a desperate attempt at rehabilitation.
Habanero arrived at the zoo alongside twelve other sloths surrendered by Sloth World, a planned attraction that never opened its doors. The animals were already in dire condition, suffering from severe weight loss and debilitating gastrointestinal problems requiring round-the-clock, specialized care.
Initial signs were promising; Habanero began eating and drinking under the zoo’s watchful eye. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated in recent days, ultimately leading to the heartbreaking decision to end his suffering. This follows the death of another sloth, Bandit, just last week after transfer to the same facility.
The unfolding crisis has triggered a formal investigation into the treatment of these animals while under the care of Sloth World. Authorities are scrutinizing the conditions that led to the deaths of over thirty sloths imported from Guyana and Peru.
The initial devastation occurred in December 2024, when twenty-one sloths shipped from Guyana perished at Sanctuary World Imports as temperatures plummeted into the 40s and 50s. Sloths, uniquely vulnerable to cold, struggle to maintain their body temperature outside a narrow range of 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Undeterred, Sloth World then imported ten sloths from Peru in February 2025. Two arrived already deceased, and the remaining animals, visibly emaciated, succumbed to what officials described as “poor health issues.” The pattern of suffering paints a grim picture of neglect and inadequate care.
The Central Florida Zoo continues to provide intensive care for the surviving sloths, battling to stabilize their fragile health. The focus remains on offering these vulnerable creatures a chance at recovery and a life free from suffering.
