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Sloth Protection Alliance Update
Florida Changed the Rules for Importing Sloths. Here's What It Means.
We have an update to share, and while it isn’t the finish line, it is real, meaningful progress.
Florida has permanently changed how sloths can be imported into the state. And we want to make sure you understand exactly what that means, what it doesn’t mean, and what comes next.
HOW DID WE GET HERE
In January 2026, our team joined forces with The Sloth Conservation Foundation to launch a campaign highlighting Sloth World Orlando, a facility that imports wild-caught sloths for commercial exhibition. What followed were months of investigative journalism, former employees coming forward with testimony, and unprecedented public scrutiny of an industry that had operated quietly for years.
More than 50 sloths died before the facility ever opened to the public. The remaining animals were surrendered and transferred to accredited care, and the facility closed permanently.
January 2026
Campaign launch
We sound the alarm on Sloth World Orlando
The Sloth Institute and The Sloth Conservation Foundation jointly uncover and expose Sloth World, a facility in Orlando, Florida illegally importing and commercially exploiting wild-caught sloths. We work with investigative journalists at Inside Climate News to bring the story to global attention.
April 2026
Major development
Sloth World closes - 55 sloths confirmed dead
Following widespread public scrutiny and reporting, Sloth World Orlando permanently closes. More than 55 of the 60+ imported sloths are confirmed dead. Surviving animals are surrendered and transferred into accredited care. The story reaches millions around the world.
May 2026
First regulatory win
Florida issues emergency halt on sloth imports
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission issues Executive Order EO 26-12, temporarily suspending the importation of foreign-origin sloths into Florida — the first direct regulatory response connected to the Sloth World case. The order explicitly cites sloth deaths and the species' vulnerability to stress.
June 2026
Permanent rule change
Florida permanently changes sloth import rules
The FWC announces that sloths are removed from standard blanket import permits. Any entity wishing to import a sloth into Florida must now obtain a dedicated Wildlife Importation Permit, requiring review and approval before any animal can enter the state. For the first time, this scrutiny is mandatory.
Now
In progress
Pushing for federal legislation
Our teams continue meeting with federal lawmakers, wildlife agencies, and prosecutors. Federal legislation to permanently ban sloth imports is under active consideration. We are providing scientific evidence, policy recommendations, and technical expertise to support the next phase of reforms.
The goal
Next milestone
A permanent, nationwide ban on commercial sloth imports
Our ultimate objective: federal legislation permanently prohibiting the importation of wild sloths into the United States for commercial use, an end to hands-on sloth encounters, and criminal accountability for those responsible for Sloth World.
What this change does... and doesn't do
We want to be honest with you about the scope of this change because the sloths still need more.
The new permit requirement does not ban the importation of wild-caught sloths. It does not prohibit commercial encounters or exhibitions. It does not establish stricter standards for facilities that already hold sloths. Those broader reforms require formal rule changes, public consultation, and Commission approval, and that work is still ahead of us.
What this does do is establish that importing a sloth into Florida is no longer a routine administrative action. It requires dedicated review and approval. That is a real shift, even if it is not a complete one.
What Happens Next
Through the Sloth Protection Alliance, we continue working alongside the FWC, federal lawmakers, and other stakeholders to push for stronger protections, including a permanent, nationwide ban on the importation of wild-caught sloths and an end to commercial sloth encounters.
We are providing scientific evidence, technical expertise, and policy recommendations at every stage. That work takes time, resources, and sustained public pressure.
The momentum is real. The window is open. But we cannot slow down now.
Get Involved
How You Can Help
FUND THE FIGHT
Sign our petition calling for a federal ban on importing wild sloths into the United States for commercial use
USE YOUR VOICE
Sign our petition calling for a federal ban on importing wild sloths into the United States for commercial use
