Lawmaker calls for criminal investigation after sloth dies following rescue from Orlando attraction
By Troy Campbell
Published on April 30, 2026.
A Central Florida lawmaker, Anna Eskamani, has called for a state and federal investigation into an Orlando-area animal attraction after a sloth rescued from the facility died just days after being taken into care. The Central Florida Zoo announced that one of its 13 rescued sloths had died. The call comes amid increasing scrutiny over past conditions at the facility, where 31 sloths died during a cold snap in December 2024 due to inadequate habitat conditions. Eskmani has requested a formal investigation into the business and its owner, Ben Agresta, citing concerns about animal welfare and management issues. She also highlighted potential gaps in Florida law and warned that without action, similar situations could occur again.
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