"The state’s wildlife agency aims to raise requirements for sloth ownership in the state, but advocates say a permanent import ban is crucial."
"Florida’s wildlife agency has proposed new rules to strengthen protections for sloths imported into the state, four months after an Inside Climate News investigation revealed dozens of wild sloths from South America died at a planned Orlando tourism attraction.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission already requires individuals and businesses in Florida to obtain a specialized wildlife permit to own, sell or show exotic animals. The proposed rules would go a step further, requiring permit holders to have sloth-specific “experience.” However, this will not apply to those already approved to own sloths in the state.
Florida’s captive-wildlife rules drew international attention after more than 50 sloths died at the tourism attraction Sloth World."
Kiley Price and Katie Surma report for Inside Climate News September 10, 2026.
