On International Sloth Day, Rep. Frost Introduces SLOTHS Act, Alongside Congresswoman Lee, Local Leaders, and Animal Advocates to Prevent Animal Cruelty and Stop Sloth Trafficking

On International Sloth Day, Rep. Frost Introduces SLOTHS Act, Alongside Congresswoman Lee, Local Leaders, and Animal Advocates to Prevent Animal Cruelty and Stop Sloth Trafficking

Watch the Full Press Conference Here

ORLANDO, FL - Today, on International Sloth Day, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) introduced the Stopping Legalized Organized Trafficking and Harm to Sloths Act (SLOTHS Act), legislation to prohibit sloth imports into the United States, with limited exceptions for research and conservation-focused breeding programs.

The legislation follows reports of widespread sloth deaths at the planned Sloth World attraction in Orlando. An unannounced state wildlife inspection in August 2025 raised concerns about conditions at the warehouse where the animals were housed. State records show 31 sloths died between December 2024 and February 2025, including 21 after arriving at a facility without electricity or running water.

The SLOTHS Act would prohibit sloth imports, with exceptions for deceased sloths imported for documented research and captive sloths transferred to Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions for breeding programs, provided they were not taken from the wild after enactment. Violations could carry civil penalties of up to $20,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000 for knowing violations, cancellation of federal authorizations, and forfeiture of illegally imported sloths.

"We owe it to these animals, and to the people in our community who spoke up, to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again," said Congressman Frost. "Sloths have highly specialized needs, and their care requires scientific expertise and accountability. The bipartisan SLOTHS Act is an important step toward protecting these vulnerable animals and ensuring their welfare comes first."

"Protecting wildlife and supporting responsible conservation are goals we can advance together," said Congresswoman Laurel Lee. "Sloths are a unique part of our natural world, and their well-being depends on care that meets their specialized needs. Following the tragic loss of dozens of sloths in Central Florida, the bipartisan SLOTHS Act will strengthen legal protections through targeted import restrictions while preserving important research and conservation programs. I appreciate Congressman Frost's partnership and the advocates working to secure a better future for these animals."

"I am grateful to see bipartisan legislation being filed in the United States Congress to protect wildlife and prevent the importation of wild-caught sloths into the United States. Wild animals deserve to live in the wild, free from human profit and exploitation. We'll continue to advocate for animal welfare at the state and local level as we support this federal effort," said State Representative Anna Eskamani.

"As the team that took on the initial intensive care and stabilization of the surviving Sloth World sloths, the Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens appreciate and applaud Representatives Frost and Lee for introducing this legislation to protect a vulnerable species. After almost six months, we continue to see unusually strong stress reactions from some of the individual sloths at times when there is any deviation from their normal routine. These reactions demonstrate the long-term impact of the trauma these sloths have suffered through their importation and time at Sloth World. Sloths, like many other non-domesticated species, need and deserve experienced, highly-specialized care by professionals who stay abreast of the latest science and best practices about those species - the kind of experience they can find at accredited zoos and aquariums." - Richard E. Glover, Jr., CEO Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

"The Association of Zoos and Aquariums commends Representatives Maxwell Frost and Laurel Lee for their leadership in protecting vulnerable wild sloth populations from unethical exploitation. The SLOTHS Act will restrict and penalize bad actors while ensuring the vital conservation initiatives of credible institutions can continue. On behalf of AZA, we thank Representatives Frost and Lee for their bipartisan proposal and proudly support this effort to safeguard sloth species." - Dan Ashe, President and CEO of AZA

"The exotic pet trade and wildlife tourism industry treat sloths as novelties, but sloths are fragile wild animals that suffer and often die when removed from their native habitats. Restricting the importation of sloths into the U.S. will help curb the demand that drives the trade in these animals and protect them from a life of suffering. The Animal Welfare Institute applauds Representatives Frost and Lee for introducing the SLOTHS Act." - Kate Dylewsky, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, Animal Welfare Institute

"After the deaths of 58 sloths at Sloth World, we made a promise to do everything in our power to make sure something like this could never happen again - and we meant it. But Sloth World was just the tip of the iceberg. It exposed a cruel and unnecessary trade in which hundreds of wild sloths are captured and sold as commodities every year, despite a mortality rate of up to 90%. The SLOTHS Act is an opportunity to finally draw a line and say that this is not acceptable. By closing the door on the importation of wild-caught sloths into the United States we can stop this cruelty at its source. We cannot undo the suffering of the sloths already caught up in this trade, but we can make sure their suffering was not in vain. We made a promise, and we will not stop fighting until this trade is brought to an end. We are so grateful to Representatives Frost and Lee for standing alongside us and taking action to help make that promise a reality." - Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, Founder and Executive Director, The Sloth Conservation Foundation

"As sloths have grown more popular, so has their suffering. Sloth lovers are paying to interact with sloths, unaware they are contributing to a cruel industry. Most of these animals are ripped from the wild to endure inadequate living conditions and often painful deaths. The SLOTHS Act is a vital step toward ending this suffering. I am incredibly grateful to Representatives Frost and Lee for introducing this legislation to stop the removal of sloths from the wild for commercial import. Sloths belong in the rainforest, and the American people deserve to stop being misled." - Sam Trull, MSc - Co-founder and Executive Director, The Sloth Institute

"What makes sloths so loveable also makes them targets for exploitation. Behind those sweet faces and slow movements lie complex life histories, long gestation periods, and specific environmental requirements. That's why the Stopping Legalized Organized Trafficking and Harm to Sloths (SLOTHS) Act's ban on importation into the US is so important. Congressman Frost and Congresswoman Lee are taking the initiative to help keep these cherished animals in the wild and out of a cruel trade driven by the desire for pets and selfies. Sloths deserve more than the inhumane fate that awaits them in the name of entertainment." - Danielle Kessler, US Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare

"The Sloth World disaster is a devastating reminder of the suffering wild animals endure because of lax oversight and inadequate legal protections. Dozens of sloths died, yet authorities found that no laws had been violated. Prohibiting the import of wild sloths is a critical step toward preventing future tragedies and protecting these remarkable animals from exploitation. We commend Congressman Frost and Congresswoman Lee for championing this important legislation," said Alicia Prygoski, Strategic Legislative Affairs Manager with the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

The SLOTHS Act is endorsed by the Sloth Institute, the Sloth Conservation Foundation, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

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