Rescued Sloths from Sloth World Continue Recovery at Central Florida Zoo
The rescued sloths from the Sloth World situation are continuing their long road to recovery at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and the latest update brings a small but meaningful sign of progress.
Related: Central Florida Zoo Takes in 13 Sloths from Sloth World as Location Shuts Down
The Zoo’s Animal Care team shared that they have been working on voluntary weight training with the sloths, allowing the animals to participate in their own care with as little stress as possible. So far, Willow, Mojo Jojo, and Leeloo have successfully provided weights using a custom “weigh box” designed by Kayce, the Zoo’s Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator. The team is still working with the remaining sloths.
The setup is simple but clever. The sloths are encouraged to enter the box using some of their favorite foods. Inside is a perch where they can hang comfortably, while the entire box is attached to a hanging scale, similar to one used for luggage. This allows caregivers to monitor weight, a key part of tracking their recovery, without unnecessary handling.
The update comes after the Central Florida Zoo took in 13 two-toed sloths from Sloth World on April 24. The group arrived requiring extensive care, with many showing signs of dehydration, low body weight, gastrointestinal issues, and other health concerns. Several sloths sadly did not survive, including Bandit, Habanero, Dumpling, and young Mr. Ginger. The Zoo has continued to provide intensive support for the remaining animals, working alongside veterinary teams, nutrition staff, and sloth care experts.
As of the latest updates, the surviving sloths remain behind the scenes and under careful watch. While some, including Dolce, Chewie, and Phantom, have been considered clear of ICU-level care, the Zoo has stressed that recovery is still a slow and delicate process. For these animals, even a routine weigh-in is a big step forward.
For now, Willow, Mojo Jojo, and Leeloo’s successful weigh-ins are another encouraging moment in a difficult story. The Zoo’s team continues to take the recovery one slow, careful sloth step at a time.
