The SLOTHS Act Is Here: Bipartisan Bill to Permanently End the Importation of Wild Sloths into the United States
The SLOTHS Act is here. On October 20, 2026, two Florida lawmakers introduced bipartisan...
THE SLOTHS ACTTHE COMMERICAL SLOTH TRADE
ENDS NOW
Two of the world’s leading sloth conservation organizations have united to fight the exploitation and trafficking of wild sloths into the United States, and we need your help to make it permanent.
VISION STATEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
Creating a United States where wildlife policy reflects scientific knowledge and ethical responsibility, and where sloths are no longer imported or used in commercial settings that compromise their welfare.
MISSION STATEMENT
To end the import and commercial exploitation of sloths in the United States by advancing evidence-based policy, supporting regulatory reform, and engaging directly with lawmakers, agencies, and the public to ensure that sloth welfare is protected through enforceable legislation.
An alliance committed to dismantling the commercial sloth trade by advancing laws, strengthening regulations, and exposing cruelty to safeguard sloths from commercial exploitation while championing ethical conservation solutions, globally.
WHO WE ARE
Two Organizations. One Mission.
Caribbean Coast
sloth conservation foundation
The Sloth Conservation Foundation
(SloCo) is internationally recognized for its long-term research on wild sloth populations and its conservation initiatives in Costa Rica. Through field-based science, habitat restoration, and landscape connectivity projects, SloCo has developed a deep understanding of sloth ecology, behavior, and the challenges these species face in rapidly changing environments.
Pacific Coast
The Sloth Institute
The Sloth Institute (TSI) is a leading authority on sloth care, rehabilitation, and release. With over a decade of experience, it advances sloth conservation through rewilding and release, habitat restoration, injury prevention, and research that expands global scientific understanding of sloths. Its work has been instrumental in developing and refining protocols for the successful rehabilitation and reintroduction of sloths into the wild, as well as advancing best practices in sloth husbandry.
"Together, we have spent decades studying, rescuing, and protecting sloths in the wild. Now we have joined forces to create the Sloth Protection Alliance, a collaborative effort dedicated to ending the commercial sloth trade once and for all."
WHAT HAPPENED?
'Sloth World' lifted the curtain on a hidden industry
In April 2026, the world finally learned the harsh reality about a facility called Sloth World in Orlando, Florida. More than 60 sloths had been violently and legally captured from the rainforest, imported into the United States, and kept in appalling conditions.
At least 58 have since died. The surviving sloths were surrendered and transferred into emergency care, where they are fighting for their lives.
But Sloth World was not an isolated incident. It was the first time the public got a glimpse of what has really been happening behind the scenes because, under the current law, this is entirely legal.
Every year, hundreds of wild sloths are captured from rainforests and shipped into the United States to supply the exotic pet trade and commercial exhibition industry: roadside zoos where people pay to hold them for photos, with no idea about the suffering behind the experience
"How could this possibly happen in the United States?"
The answer: because it's legal. That's what we're here to change.
Sloths are imported into the United States between 2011 and 2021
0
of the sloths imported are taken from the wild
0
%
Out of 10 sloths don't survive the capture and importation into the U.S
0
Wild sloths are estimated to die during capture and transport for every sloth reaching the market
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Latest News
with the Sloth Protection Alliance
Congress has introduced the SLOTHS Act. Contact your representative today and tell them to co-sponsor it.
WHY NOW?
The window is open. We have to move fast.
Two of the world’s leading sloth conservation organizations have united to fight the exploitation and trafficking of wild sloths into the United States, and we need your help to make it permanent.
COMPLETED
FLORIDA HALTS SLOTH IMPORTS
Florida halted sloth imports and introduced a permanent Wildlife Importation Permit requirement for all future sloth imports.
COMPLETED
FEDERAL LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION
Orange County, FL voted unanimously to begin developing a local ordinance to prohibit exotic wildlife imports for commercial entertainment.
COMPLETED
The SLOTHS Act Introduced in Congress
The SLOTHS Act introduced in Congress on October 20, 2026 by Representatives Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Laurel Lee (R-FL). It is the first federal bill to permanently end the commercial importation of wild-caught sloths into the United States.
IN PROGRESS
PASSING THE SLOTHS ACT
The SLOTHS Act has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The Sloth Protection Alliance is urging the committee to schedule a hearing and bring the bill forward for markup.
GET INVOLVED
Two ways to make a difference
The sloths that suffered and died at Sloth World cannot be saved. But they can be the reason this never happens again. Here’s how you can help us make that happen.
The SLOTHS Act has been introduced. Now it needs co-sponsors. Sign the petition, contact your representative, and tell the House Committee on Natural Resources to bring this bill forward.