Criminal probe clears Sloth World of criminal neglect in deaths of 57 animals

The Orange County Sheriff's Office concluded its investigation into Sloth World, finding the 57 sloth deaths 'consistent with a multifactorial animal health incident rather than the result of criminal activity.' The facility closed in April after importing wild-caught sloths from Guyana and Peru for tourism.

Veterinarians told investigators the sloths were dehydrated, malnourished, and emaciated, with lesions across multiple organ systems, pneumonia, and neurological degeneration. A forensic pathologist attributed much of the decline to chronic stress from capture, shipping, and overcrowded housing, while another pathologist said improper diet caused mineral deficiencies that were 'killing them.'

Owner Ben Agresta had blamed an undetectable virus; a former caretaker said the owners lacked the expertise to manage the animals but did not act with intentional cruelty. The Sloth Conservation Foundation's director said that if this wasn't criminal, the laws protecting animals need to be stricter, since 57 sloths should not have been able to die this way.

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