Support the SLOTHS Act

Protect sloths from a cruel and exploitative industry: Support the SLOTHS Act >>

Earlier this year, media outlets reported the deaths of more than 50 sloths planned for exhibit at a yet-to-be-opened attraction, which had imported dozens of sloths taken from their native rainforests. Some died upon delivery due to poor health, while many others perished after being left in a cold makeshift warehouse without heat. Even after a number of early deaths, Sloth World was able to continue importing wild sloths until a ban several months later.

Interest in “pet” ownership and use in entertainment facilities has increased demand for the international sloth trade. Unable to survive or breed well in captivity, hundreds of baby sloths are taken from the wild each year to fill a global demand for the pet and tourist trade—many torn from their mothers. Experts estimate that up to 90% die when taken from the wild.

To protect vulnerable sloths from growing trade, Rep. Frost (FL-10), alongside Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15) introduced the Stopping Legalized Organized Trafficking and Harm to Sloths (SLOTHS) Act . This bill would ban the import of sloths unless they are deceased sloths intended for research purposes, or sloths already in captivity and going to an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility.

Sloths belong in the trees, not in people’s homes, or at a roadside zoo for selfies. Ask your Representative to support the SLOTHS Act to prevent the needless death of any more of these gentle animals, before it’s too late.

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As your constituent, I urge you to support the bipartisan Stopping Legalized Organized Trafficking and Harm to Sloths (SLOTHS) Act to protect sloths from the perils of the wildlife trade. The SLOTHS Act would ban the import of sloths with the exception of deceased sloths for use in research, or living sloths already in captivity and being transported to an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility.

Interest in "pet" ownership and use in entertainment facilities has increased demand for the international sloth trade. Across Central and South America, growing numbers of baby sloths are being torn from their mothers to be sold - most never survive the journey. It is estimated that up to 90% of sloths taken from the wild die before ever reaching their destination. Sloths are particularly ill-suited to captivity due to their specialized diet and need for specific climates, making them susceptible to stress-related illnesses in artificial environments.

Earlier this year, media outlets reported the deaths of more than 50 sloths planned for exhibition at a yet-to-be opened attraction in Orlando. In a December 2024 incident, 21 sloths imported from Guyana perished after being left in a cold makeshift warehouse without heat. In February 2025, two of ten sloths imported from Peru arrived dead, while the remaining died upon arrival due to "poor health issues." After these initial deaths, Sloth World was able to continue importing wild sloths through a related business - a government permit shows they acquired at least 38 more individuals until FWC issued a ban on their import in May 2025.

Sloths belong in the wild, not in people's homes or roadside exhibits. Please help protect sloths from becoming the next victims of a cruel and exploitative wildlife trade industry by supporting the SLOTHS Act.

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