Sickness, cold killed nearly 30 sloths at a Florida import warehouse in 2024 and 2025

Nearly 30 sloths died from sickness and cold at a Florida import warehouse in 2024 and 2025, raising serious concerns about the welfare of imported exotic animals.

The deaths occurred at a warehouse facility used for processing imported wildlife. According to reports, the sloths arrived already stressed from transport and then faced cold temperatures and disease outbreaks in the holding facility. The combination proved fatal for the majority of the animals.

Florida is one of the largest entry points for exotic animal imports in the United States, and the incident has prompted calls for stricter oversight of import facilities. Animal welfare advocates argue that current regulations are inadequate, particularly regarding temperature control, veterinary care, and maximum holding times.

The USDA and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are investigating. Records show the warehouse had previously been cited for minor violations but had not been flagged for the kind of systemic failures that led to the sloth deaths.

This is not an isolated incident. Import facilities across the country have faced similar issues, but the high-profile nature of sloth deaths — and the growing public interest in these animals — has brought new attention to the problem.

**What This Means For You:** If you care about animal welfare, this story highlights the gap between regulations and reality in the exotic animal trade. Consider supporting organizations that advocate for stronger import facility standards, and be aware that the exotic pet trade often comes with hidden welfare costs.