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For Immediate ReleasePRESS RELEASE
Florida Announces Temporary Halt on Sloth Imports Following Sloth World Orlando Investigation, With Nationwide Implications
Summary: Florida wildlife officials announced a temporary halt on sloth imports just days after meetings between The Sloth Conservation Foundation, The Sloth Institute, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). In a joint statement, both organizations welcomed the decision while emphasizing the need for permanent, nationwide protections for sloths in the United States.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2026
Costa Rica
The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) and The Sloth Institute (TSI) welcome today’s announcement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regarding a temporary 60-day halt on sloth importations into the state of Florida.
Approximately 98% of sloths imported into the United States enter through Miami, making Florida the primary gateway for the commercial sloth trade into the country. As a result, this decision has implications that extend far beyond the state itself.
This marks an important and historic step forward. The announcement comes just days after Dr. Rebecca Cliffe and Sam Trull traveled to Orlando, Florida, where they spent several days meeting with officials, commissioners, lawmakers, representatives, local authorities, and the FWC to discuss the urgent need for stronger protections for sloths in the United States.
For months, alongside journalists, former employees, experts, lawmakers, and countless members of the public, SloCo and TSI have worked to bring attention to the realities behind the commercial sloth trade and the tragic events linked to Sloth World Orlando.
What happened in Orlando exposed serious concerns surrounding the importation, ownership, and commercial use of sloths in the United States, as well as broader gaps in the systems currently intended to protect these animals, but we are encouraged to see meaningful action beginning to take place.
As organizations that have spent years studying, rehabilitating, and protecting sloths, we know that these animals are highly specialized, extremely sensitive, and fundamentally unsuitable for commercial captive environments – particularly those involving frequent handling, transport, and constant human interaction.
“Imported wild sloths have been dying for years, in virtual silence. But today’s decision from the FWC shows that it doesn’t have to be this way. There are measures that can be taken, should be taken and will be taken to better protect wild animals, like sloths.
It’s tragic that it took 50+ sloth deaths at one facility to shine a spotlight on this issue and I know we have a lot more work to do until we have permanent protection, but I’m just really grateful to everyone who spoke up.
Never doubt that your voice matters.”
Sam Trull, MSc
Co-Founder, Executive Director
This temporary pause represents significant progress, but our work is far from over. The current halt is limited to 60 days, and we are now actively working toward permanent rule changes within Florida. At the same time, we are pursuing policy change at both the state and federal levels to establish permanent nationwide protections for sloths in the United States.
Without broader national action, the trade is likely to simply shift to other states and ports of entry. To effectively protect sloths, these loopholes must be addressed at the federal level. And importantly, this issue extends beyond sloths alone.
“I think one of the most powerful things to come out of this has been seeing what happens when people are finally exposed to the reality behind the commercial sloth trade. The events surrounding Sloth World have pulled back the curtain on an industry that is extremely dark and damaging for the animals involved - and people are horrified by it.
It turns out that most people do not want sloths suffering for entertainment or profit. In fact, once they understand what these animals actually go through, the response is overwhelmingly one of disgust and anger.
We still have a long way to go as we continue pushing for accountability and work to make this ban permanent and nationwide. But this is a massive first step, and it has happened much faster than we expected. That alone shows how seriously this issue is being taken. Now we keep going.”
The Sloth World investigation has exposed major gaps in existing wildlife protection systems, where regulations are primarily designed to protect humans from animals – rather than protecting vulnerable animals from proven harm caused by humans. In response, we are working alongside lawmakers, legal experts, and partner organizations to explore new legislative approaches and classification systems that provide stronger protections for sensitive species currently being imported for commercial use and private ownership.
The deaths of these sloths must not be in vain.
This moment shows that change is possible when science, public awareness, and collective action come together. And we remain fully committed to continuing this work for as long as it takes.
About the Organizations:
The Sloth Institute (TSI) is a licensed non-profit organization based in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. TSI advances sloth conservation and welfare through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education, while leading innovative conservation initiatives, including strategic reforestation and habitat connectivity programs. TSI collaborates with governments, accredited wildlife institutions, universities, and conservation professionals to protect sloths and their habitats worldwide.
The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) is a non-profit organization based in Costa Rica working to protect sloths through scientific research, habitat restoration, community programs, and policy advocacy. SloCo collaborates with universities, governments, Indigenous groups, and international partners to safeguard sloths across their natural range.
Media Contacts:
SloCo: Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, contact@slothconservation.org, www.slothconservation.org
TSI: Sam Trull MSc, sam@theslothinstitute.org, www.theslothinstitute.org
