Sloth World Orlando property cited for code violations after inspector visit
The planned Sloth World Orlando attraction is facing another setback after a recent county inspection reportedly found the International Drive property in violation of code requirements.
Updated April 24, 2026 to include a timeline.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, county officials said the International Drive warehouse connected to Sloth World did not have the required permits to house animals. The report also stated the building lacked proper occupancy approvals, leading to the enforcement action. And now Fox 35 reports the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will rehome thirteen of the surviving sloths.
The warehouse has previously been identified in state inspection records as a facility used to receive and acclimate sloths before transferring them to the planned public attraction on International Drive.
County action adds new questions
A stop-work order typically halts construction or operational activity until violations are corrected and approvals are obtained. The latest development raises additional questions about whether the project can move forward.
According to Orange County building and code enforcement practices, a stop-work order generally means that all work or use covered by the order must immediately stop until the cited violations are corrected and the county authorizes activity to resume.
Orange County officials issued a stop-work order at a warehouse tied to Sloth World Orlando after determining the International Drive building appeared to be housing animals without the required permits. According to FOX 35 Orlando, county representatives said the property was previously approved in 2021 for vehicle storage under another business, but not for animals or wildlife. Officials also said the site appeared to lack a valid use permit, certificate of occupancy, required fire extinguishers, and exit signage.
FOX 35 reported that inspectors were unable to access the building because no one from Sloth World was present, leaving it unclear whether animals remain inside.
Recap: what happened with Sloth World Orlando
Sloth World was previously announced as a new Orlando attraction planned for 6582 International Drive. Sloth World’s opening has been delayed for a few months now.
The project later drew widespread attention after investigative reporting by Inside Climate News, which detailed concerns surrounding animal welfare and multiple sloth deaths tied to the operation before opening.
Additional news outlets and sources, like Attractions Magazine, reported on the development.
According to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) report dated Aug. 7, 2025, inspectors conducted an unannounced visit to a warehouse facility at 7547 International Drive operated by Sanctuary World Imports. The report states the facility was being used to receive and acclimate imported sloths before transferring them to Sloth World at 6582 International Drive for permanent public exhibit.
Summary and timeline of developments
DECEMBER 2025
Sloth World Orlando begins public promotion as a planned 2026 International Drive attraction.
JANUARY 21, 2026
Conservation groups publicly criticize the sourcing of wild-caught sloths for the project.
APRIL 16, 2026
Inside Climate News publishes its investigation into sloth deaths and warehouse conditions tied to the operation.
APRIL 21, 2026
Growing public reaction and follow-up media coverage increase scrutiny around the attraction.
APRIL 23, 2026
The Sloth World website is reduced to a placeholder page, while linked social media accounts appear blank or inactive.
APRIL 23, 2026
Orange County reportedly issues a stop-work order at a warehouse tied to the project over permitting and occupancy concerns.
APRIL 24, 2026
Fox 35 is now reporting that Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will rehome thirteen of the surviving sloths. This zoo is AZA-accredited and will quarantine the sloths, as is standard operating procedure. And from there, some of the other 200 accredited facilities may accept some of the sloths after the 30 days.
“When we were approached about taking in these sloths, the team all agreed it was something we should and wanted to do”— Richard E. Glover, CEO of Central Florida Zoo
APRIL 24, 2026 5:57 p.m.
The owner of Sloth World Orlando confirmed to FOX 35 on Friday afternoon that he plans to file for bankruptcy protection, and that he will no longer move forward with plans to open his “slotharium.”
You can view the Inside Climate News article here, which was published earlier this week. The featured image contains a photo from Nili in Getty Images Pro.
More Attractions Magazine stories
Follow us:
