Federal Legislation Proposed to Ban Sloth Imports

On October 20, 2026, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) will introduce a new federal bill aimed at stopping the importation of sloths into the United States. The Stopping Legalized Organized Trafficking and Harm to Sloths (SLOTHS) Act targets sloth trafficking and seeks to improve sloth protection through stricter regulation.

Response to Recent Sloth Deaths in Orlando

The proposed legislation comes after the deaths of 55 sloths linked to Sloth World, an intended interactive attraction on International Drive in Orlando, Florida. The attraction, which never opened, had imported sloths from Guyana and Peru. An investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office found the deaths resulted from a combination of factors, including disease, stress from transportation, and inadequate nutrition. No criminal wrongdoing was found in connection with the deaths, but the incident sparked renewed attention to the issue of sloth welfare.

Details of the SLOTHS Act

The SLOTHS Act would prohibit the importation of sloths into the United States, with very limited exceptions. Permits could be granted only for accredited research and conservation-focused breeding programs at recognized institutions. This measure is designed to prevent sloth trafficking for commercial or entertainment purposes and to prioritize animal welfare and sloth conservation.

Support for the Proposed Legislation

The legislation has garnered support from various animal welfare and conservation groups. Organizations backing the SLOTHS Act include the Sloth Conservation Foundation, the Sloth Institute, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. These organizations highlight the importance of protecting sloths from trafficking and ensuring their care in institutions committed to sloth breeding for the benefit of the species, not commercial gain.

Announcement on World Sloth Day

Congressman Frost will be joined by Congresswoman Laurel Lee, State Representative Dr. Anna Eskamani, and animal welfare advocates at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford for a press conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The event coincides with World Sloth Day, underscoring the focus on sloth protection and raising awareness about the impact of wildlife trafficking and improper sloth transportation.

Continuing Efforts in Animal Welfare

The introduction of the SLOTHS Act highlights ongoing concerns regarding wildlife trafficking and the need for comprehensive sloth legislation. By limiting sloth imports to scientifically justified endeavors, supporters hope to prevent future cases of sloth deaths and commercial exploitation. The bill represents a significant effort to improve animal welfare standards and reinforce sloth conservation in the United States.

Source: clickorlando.com.