Criminal probe clears Sloth World of criminal neglect in deaths of 57 animals
Authorities in the U.S. state of Florida have cleared a controversial startup of criminal neglect after dozens of wild-caught sloths that it imported from South America for tourism purposes died. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) opened an investigation following the closure of the Sloth World facility in April this year. On Aug. 19, it […]
Authorities in Florida have concluded that the controversial animal tourism business Sloth World did not commit criminal neglect in the deaths of 57 wild-caught sloths imported from South America. The Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) investigated following the facility's closure in April. Detective Aaron Bennet found the deaths were consistent with a multifactorial animal health incident, not criminal activity or improper care.
The investigation included interviews with witnesses and veterinarians. Despite Ben Agresta, Sloth World's owner, claiming a previously unknown virus was responsible, OCSO's report indicates multiple veterinarians described the sloths as being in extremely poor condition - dehydrated, malnourished, and emaciated. Forensic pathologist Adam Stern found a consistent pattern of disease affecting multiple organ systems in autopsies, including pneumonia, bone marrow depletion, and neurological damage. Chronic stress is believed to have contributed to their rapid decline.
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