Orlando, FL: Today, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced changes to sloth ownership in Florida. You can read the full policy change memo here. It reads, in part:
“After the expiration of EO 26-12, Permits to Import Class III Wildlife for Commercial Use (IMP-III), also known as “blanket import permits”, will no longer authorize the importation of any sloth species (suborder Folivora) into Florida. All entities who are properly permitted to possess sloth species will be required to obtain a no cost Wildlife Importation Permit prior to the importation of sloth(s) into Florida. A copy of that permit application has been attached for your convenience. Completed applications must be submitted by email to CaptiveWildlife@myFWC.com. We recommend submitting the application at least two weeks prior to each importation event to allow ample time for processing.”
This means that moving forward, all entities properly permitted to own sloths will be required to obtain a Wildlife Importation Permit before importing sloth(s) into Florida. This will ensure that facilities that meet statutory requirements are in place before sloths are brought into Florida.
Below is Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani’s statement in response:
“Following the tragedy and controversy surrounding Sloth World, we have been working closely with the Sloth Institute and the Sloth Conservation Foundation to pursue both accountability through an ongoing criminal investigation and meaningful long-term policy reforms.
Today’s announcement from FWC represents a small but important victory for animal welfare. By requiring facilities to meet basic standards before they are permitted to bring sloths into Florida, this new policy takes a proactive approach to protecting these animals. Had these safeguards been in place earlier, they may have prevented suffering and saved lives.
Our ultimate goal remains stronger protections, including a permanent ban on the importation of wild-caught sloths and more rigorous ownership and care requirements. Achieving those reforms will require formal FWC rule changes, including a public comment process and a vote by the Commission. That work will take time, but the permit changes announced today will take effect immediately and provide important new safeguards.
We will continue pushing for stronger animal welfare protections and greater accountability to ensure that what happened at Sloth World never happens again.”