Last week, we shared that the sloths passed 30 days of quarantine. This 30-day marker signifies what we call our biological quarantine period. 30 days is the standard for all mammals coming into and out of our facilities, to protect our animals and staff from the transfer of any potential communicable diseases.
This means that our procedures have changed slightly behind the scenes. That is to say: no more booties! Previously, our care team, vet staff, and photographer have all had to don face masks, gloves, and either an alternate pair of shoes or boot covers when in the area shared be the sloths behind the scenes. Now, personal protective equipment has been slightly dialed back, and we no longer consider the sloths to be under a biological quarantine.
That being said, the nine sloths still remain behind the scenes as they and are receiving daily care from a small group of dedicated staff, in partnership with many other experts in the field of sloth care and conservation. This team is in constant contact with specialists from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in order to provide the best possible care for these animals.
Since these animals are still under careful watch, it’s important that we do not introduce extra stresses to their environment, and so our ‘quarantine’ of them will continue. Even introducing new staff members to the sloths could potentially be stressful for them, and we’re working hard to give them their best chance at recovery.
Additionally, with how sloth digestive systems work, these sloths may just now be starting to process the nutrients from meals we’ve provided them. Since sloth diets in the wild consist of primarily leaves, their digestive systems take approximately 30 days to ferment and break down all of that tough plant matter before it passes through them. Like we’ve said before; everything sloths do is slow.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this meal prep video we’ve put together, and we’re looking forward to sharing more info with you next week!
He may not speak Shyriiwook, but Chewie definitely gives Wookiee energy. Swing Keeper Kenndall Henderson named him after her first glimpse of him moving through the branches and the name stuck right away. A number of us think he really looks like Chewbacca!
Chewie is a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) and the largest male sloth in our care. This species is native to the rainforests of South America and spends most of its life high in the trees, moving slowly and purposefully through the canopy.
Here at the Zoo, Chewie has settled into a clear routine and is very motivated by food. He is usually waiting for his keepers when breakfast arrives in the morning. His favorites include yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, and his Mazuri Sloth Diet, with sweetgum as his top choice when fresh browse is offered.
When he is not eating, Chewie is doing what sloths do best. He is often seen resting on a branch or curled up in a quiet pile of browse, fast asleep.
This weekend marks 30 days since the sloths arrived into quarantine care at the Central florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and we’d love to introduce you to all nine sloths currently in our care: Blackberry, Chewie, Dolce, Hazel, Leloo, MojoJojo, Pearl, Phantom, and Willow.
Earlier this week, we mentioned that Chewie and Dolce are now out of intensive care. The other seven sloths remain under closer watch, but all nine continue to be monitored consistently throughout the day by our animal care and veterinary teams, and fed appropriate diets by our nutrition team!
As the weeks go on, their personalities are really starting to shine through. We’re seeing more natural sloth behaviors, more curiosity, and more moments that make us hopeful for their continued progress.
We’re really excited to finally share photos of these incredible animals with you, and in the coming weeks, we look forward to introducing each sloth individually, sharing more about their unique personalities!
Meet Dolce and Chewie 💚
These two fighters have been cleared from the ICU and are now stable in quarantine. While their situation can still change at any moment, they are doing better and continuing to fight every day. We couldn’t resist introducing these adorable faces to you all. 🦥
It is with heavy hearts that our team shares the passing of Mr. Ginger.
Mr. Ginger was the youngest sloth brought into our care, estimated to be only 4-6 months old. He arrived in an extremely fragile condition, and our veterinary team provided intensive care. He was hand-fed every few hours and spent much of his time in an incubator to help regulate his body temperature. He was a fighter, and he held on despite the odds. Though our staff made every effort to give him the best possible chance at survival, his condition did not improve, and our team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him.
We are deeply saddened by this loss. We know those who are following this story are too.
We remain committed to caring for the rest of the sloths and hope for brighter days ahead.
Our team has received the histopathology report for both Habanero and Dumpling, two of the sloths we took into our care from Sloth World. This report confirms the gross necropsy findings of emaciation as the cause of death for both sloths. The same cause of death was determined for Bandit, the first sloth that died from this group.
All three of these sloths—Bandit, Habanero, and Dumpling—were in a group that were considered the most critical upon their arrival to the Zoo on April 24. While the Zoo’s team worked tirelessly to give these animals the best chance at survival, the reports show how deeply previous care affected all of these sloths.
Several of the original 13 sloths remain in critical condition, and the situation remains very fluid. We continue to treat the remaining sloths with the highest level of care and hope for the best results.
We’ve received so many questions about Mr. Ginger, the smallest and youngest sloth in the group. He is still in critical condition and in intensive care, but we couldn’t help but share a few cute photos. Thank you, Central Florida & beyond, for all of your support.
Update: A Call for ReformThis afternoon, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomed U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, Florida State Rep. Dr. Anna Eskamani, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe of The Sloth Conservation Foundation, & Sam Trull, founder of The Sloth Institute Costa Rica. The group, along with Richard Glover, Zoo CEO, spoke to media on the importance of the work being done at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to save the sloths the Zoo received from Sloth World. They also answered questions about the difficult road ahead for these animals, and the possibility of reform when it comes to permitting and import of exotic animals.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has received the necropsy report for Bandit, one of 13 two-toed sloths accepted into the Zoo’s care from Sloth World on April 24.
Findings confirm the primary causes of death as severe emaciation and effusions, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the body, most commonly affecting areas such as the lungs or joints.
Bandit arrived in the most critical condition among the group and, while he showed brief signs of progress, his health declined rapidly on April 29. Despite continuous care and extensive medical intervention from the Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams, the decision was made to proceed with humane euthanasia when it became clear he would not recover.
The report highlights the serious underlying health challenges Bandit faced upon arrival and underscores the complexity of his condition, despite aggressive supportive care.
We’re deeply saddened to share that Dumpling, one of the sloths who arrived on April 24, has died.
Dumpling was part of the group that came in requiring the highest level of care. Over the past 11 days, their condition was inconsistent, with periods of stabilization followed by continued complications related to digestion and gastrointestinal function. On Monday morning, Dumpling experienced a sudden decline that progressed quickly despite ongoing treatment efforts.
This has been a heavy week for the team. Those working most closely with the sloths know how complex their care can be. Sloths often do not show clear signs of illness until their condition is already advanced, and when changes occur, they can happen quickly. Their slow metabolic processes can also delay how and when underlying issues become visible.
As more time passes and the remaining sloths settle into their environment, our veterinary team has been able to move forward with more detailed evaluations. These include expanded diagnostics such as blood analysis, body condition assessments, hormonal testing, and additional screenings. Establishing these baselines is an important step in understanding each animal’s needs and identifying changes as early as possible.
Dumpling’s loss is a reminder of how unpredictable this process can be. The focus remains on providing consistent, individualized care to each of the sloths still with us.
Thank you for continuing to follow their progress and for the support you’ve shown along the way.
5/3/2026
A difficult update today regarding the group of sloths recently received from Sloth World. One of the adult males, Habanero, has passed away following a period of critical illness. After careful evaluation and with his condition declining, the decision was made Saturday for human euthanasia.
When the sloths arrived, all were underweight and are being treated for gastrointestinal (GI) issues, requiring intensive, specialized care. Habanero initially showed encouraging signs of stabilization, including eating and drinking regularly under the close supervision of the Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams. In recent days, however, his condition worsened.
Sloths are well-known to mask signs of illness, which can make early detection challenging and lead to rapid and sometimes irreversible changes in condition.
This latest loss is gut-wrenching, but the focus remains on the 11 remaining sloths, and each day with them is a gift. The Zoo’s team continues to provide around-the-clock care and monitoring for them. At this time, two individuals remain in guarded condition and are receiving ongoing medical attention.
This rehabilitation period is complex, and the Zoo remains committed to giving each animal the highest level of care possible. The Zoo appreciates the continued support from the community as this work continues.
Update: Habanero’s Condition5/1/2026
One of our adult male sloths, Habanero, has been in critical condition since late yesterday afternoon.
When the sloths came into our care, several were more critical and required more focused attention. Our team saw subtle signs of progress in these sloths, who were then in stable condition and were eating and drinking. That included Habanero.
All of the sloths have been receiving regular care and checks, and our staff recently started to notice that Habanero was more lethargic. Sloths, and many animals, often mask symptoms until they’re much more severe.
Our team is currently treating Habanero to the best of their ability. Our team knew when these animals arrived that this would be a long road and that this early period would be especially delicate. We appreciate your support as we weather this together!
Update: An Unconventional Treatment4/30/2026
Some of the most important tools in animal care are not always the most glamorous.
Recently, our veterinary team received a unique shipment from our partners at the Los Angeles Zoo, a fellow AZA-accredited organization. The package contained fecal (poop) samples from healthy sloths to support a treatment known as a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT).
FMT helps restore balance in the gut microbiome, which plays a critical role in digestion and overall health. When that balance is disrupted, animals can develop serious gastrointestinal issues that are difficult to treat.
Using carefully screened donor material, our team processes the sample in a controlled medical setting and introduces beneficial microbes into the patient’s digestive system. These microbes can help reestablish a healthier gut environment and support recovery.
While it may sound unusual, this treatment is grounded in science and can make a meaningful difference for sloths with sensitive digestive systems.
Update: Loss4/29/2026
We are saddened today to share the passing of Bandit, the sloth who arrived at the Zoo in the most critical condition.
Bandit’s progress looked hopeful at times, but this morning, his condition took a turn for the worse and declined rapidly. Despite best efforts and continual care from our vet and animal care teams, the difficult decision was make for humane euthanasia once it appeared clear that he would not recover from today’s downturn.
Our CEO, Richard E. Glover Jr., stated “We are heartbroken by the loss. Our team did everything possible to give him the best chance at survival and ensure he was comfortable in his final days.”
It is a difficult day, to say the least. Our focused efforts now remain on the other 12 sloths in our care, all of whom are currently in stable condition.
Help us provide care for them with a donation at https://bit.ly/3OR6dAG.
4/28/2026
The sloths are now on day four of their initial 30-day quarantine period, with the majority continuing to remain stable. This 30-day period is a standard practice for all new incoming mammals that we provide care for, in order to prevent the transmission of any potential pathogens to the other animals at the Zoo, or even to staff.
Bandit, who remains the most critical, made it through another night in our medical building. His condition is still being evaluated very closely, with changes possible from hour to hour.
We want to recognize the dedicated efforts of our veterinary team, including Dr. Haley Straub, for the level of care and attention being provided as these animals continue to adjust to their new environment.
4/27/2026
Bandit, the sloth we previously shared was in guarded condition, is still having a tough time.
He continues to show signs of lethargy, dehydration, and nutritional and electrolyte imbalances, along with some gastrointestinal issues. Since arriving, he hasn’t yet climbed onto a perch to hang and has remained on the ground. Because of how weak he seems right now, he’s been placed in a temporary, padded space so that if he does attempt to climb and loses his grip, he won’t fall far.
Our team is working with him consistently throughout the day, providing assisted feedings, administering fluids, doing bloodwork, and giving vitamin supplementation.
It’s still very early, and we’re taking things moment by moment. That said, there was a bright spot today. During a session with our behavioral husbandry team, Bandit showed a bit of interest in food and even ate some carrots!
The other sloths still appear to be in stable condition and we remain cautiously optimistic for them.
4/26/2026
4/25/2026
All 13 sloths that arrived yesterday have now made it through their first 24 hours following initial evaluations.
Our animal care and veterinary teams quickly established a dedicated quarantine space and began thorough assessments upon arrival. Many of the sloths presented with signs of dehydration and low body weight, with some requiring more immediate attention. At this stage, the group remains under close observation, with each animal receiving individualized care and ongoing support.
This is still an early and delicate period. Our team is continuing to monitor them closely, with regular check-ins and treatments provided as needed.
We’re grateful for the hard work of our staff and the support from our community. More updates coming soon!
4/24/2026
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens recently accepted a donation of 13 two-toed sloths.
Currently housed behind the scenes in a special off-display habitat area for a quarantine period of at least 30 days, these sloths are now receiving the best care possible from our staff, including expert animal husbandry from our Keeper staff, detailed medical treatment from our Veterinary team, and custom diets from our Animal Nutrition team.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is working closely with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) to determine long-term placement for many of these animals at other AZA-accredited facilities, with the expectation that some will remain here at the Zoo. Many of these animals will require lifelong assistance from humans to be given the opportunity to thrive, all of them having been in human care since arriving in the country.
Return back to this page for future updates!
For media inquiries, please reach out to our team at press@centralfloridazoo.org.
The Zoo is proud to provide the best care for these sloths, but that care means unexpected costs. From additional food and nutrition requirements to new medicines for treatment of pre-existing conditions, as well as lab tests for blood & urine samples, additional quarantine housing behind the scenes, and even staffing needs, this undertaking is no simple or inexpensive task.
If you want to help, you can! Click the link to donate to our sloth efforts and all of our conservation efforts. The Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your donation helps us continue to provide the best care possible for our animals.
