ORLANDO, FL — State Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani released the following statement in response to today’s reporting that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing an executive order to temporarily halt all importations of sloths into Florida:
“This is great news, and a critical first step. Pausing sloth importations gives Florida the time we need to craft thoughtful, science-based policy focused squarely on the health and well-being of these animals, and to make sure what happened on International Drive never happens again anywhere in the state.
More than 50 wild sloths died at the so-called ‘Sloth World’ facility in Orange County under appalling conditions: no stable heat, inadequate enclosures, and, at times, no running water or electricity. Several of the survivors were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo, where dedicated professionals are doing everything they can, but tragically, some of those sloths have already died from the harm they suffered before rescue. This was preventable, and it demands accountability.
On Monday, we met with FWC alongside the Sloth Institute and the Sloth Conservation Foundation. I want to thank FWC for hearing our concerns and moving quickly, and I want to be clear that our work is just beginning. I will continue to push for a full criminal probe into the operators of this facility, and I will continue to work with my colleagues through rulemaking and statute to reform the Class 3 permitting system for sloths that made this tragedy possible in the first place. Sloths — and every animal in Florida — deserve conditions and care that meet their actual biological needs, not the lowest bar a permit holder can clear.
In the coming weeks, my office will be engaging with FWC, veterinary experts, sanctuary professionals, and constituents to help shape the permanent policy reforms Florida needs. I encourage anyone with information about the Sloth World facility, or ideas for how to strengthen our exotic animal laws, to contact my office directly.”