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.
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.
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.
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 of developments
- Inside Climate News article was published on April 16, 2026
- Additional media outlets began further reporting
- The attraction’s website was reduced to a placeholder page, and linked social media accounts appeared blank or inactive
- Public questions increased regarding the attraction’s future
- Orange County reportedly issued a stop-work order at a warehouse tied to Sloth World after officials said the building lacked required permits to house animals and proper occupancy approvals
No updated opening timeline or public statement was immediately available at the time of publication.
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:
