All eight surviving sloths rescued from Sloth World have been moved indoors at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens as temperatures fall across the region. The zoo has also postponed plans to transfer most of the animals to other facilities, deciding they need more time in Sanford before facing another major change.
Zoo leaders had initially intended to keep only a couple of the rescued sloths and send the others to Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities this fall. CEO Richard Glover said concerns about how the animals would respond to the stress of travel led staff to reconsider. The team concluded that the sloths were not yet ready for those trips and that proceeding would pose an unacceptable risk to their health.
The animals will instead remain in indoor quarters in Sanford through the winter, for at least the next few months. Glover said those spaces have been equipped for the sloths' needs, with temperature controls, humidifiers and sensors that continually monitor conditions. Backup generators are available if the power fails.
Getting the sloths into their winter quarters was a gradual process guided by the animals themselves. Keepers avoided handling them during the transfer, waiting for each sloth to enter a bucket or heated box on its own schedule. Most adjusted well, but a few experienced setbacks during the transition, shutting down and refusing food. Zoo officials said those animals are recovering, though their reactions underscored how fragile they remain.
A team of just three staff members provides their care. That arrangement allows keepers to become familiar with each animal's temperament and quickly recognize small changes that could signal stress. Behavioral Husbandry Director Kayce Hackett, one of the three caregivers, has worked with the sloths since they were surrendered.
Hackett said the animals' past experiences must be considered when preparing them for changes, even though many animals can adapt readily to sudden shifts in their surroundings. She also said the attention surrounding the Sloth World animals has given the zoo an opportunity to educate the public about the exotic pet trade and the pet industry.
Meanwhile, construction is underway on an outdoor habitat, with the zoo ultimately aiming to keep three or four of the eight sloths permanently. The habitat is expected to be ready by spring, but officials have not established a date when visitors will be able to see the animals outdoors. Warmer temperatures will be necessary before any move outside, and each sloth's condition and readiness will also determine the timing.
The zoo has not announced which animals will remain in Sanford. Plans for the other four or five sloths, including their destinations and transfer dates, also remain undecided while staff wait for them to become healthy enough to travel.
