Politics
Statewide prosecutor helping Monique Worrell with criminal investigation into Sloth World
The statewide prosecutor is an animal welfare law expert.
A statewide prosecutor is helping the 9th Judicial Circuit with an ongoing criminal investigation after more than 50 wild sloths from Sloth World’s Orlando attraction died, Attorney General James Uthmeier said.
“Our office is unwavering in its commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of those who are unable to protect themselves. We will ensure accountability whenever the evidence requires,” Uthmeier wrote in a letter that he posted on X.
Uthmeier was responding to Orlando Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani, who asked the Attorney General to criminally investigate the failed attraction in Orlando.
“We need criminal charges for the so-called Sloth World. This is shameful,” said Eskamani, who is running to be Orlando’s Mayor.
Uthmeier wrote Friday that the Office of Statewide Prosecution “generally” only gets involved in animal welfare cases if there is suspected racketeering. The jurisdiction falls on 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell, the Attorney General said, though he added that Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day is assisting Worrell’s Office.
“Lauryn is an animal welfare law expert and brings invaluable insight to the investigation,” Uthmeier wrote.
Worrell’s Office did not immediately respond for comment.
The sloth deaths have fueled a public outcry after Inside Climate News broke the story. The sloths had been taken from their jungle homes and brought to Central Florida to be part of the International Drive animal experience starting at $49 per ticket. Reports have speculated that the deaths may have been caused by the shipping process or by the sloths being stored in a warehouse with bad conditions.
According to the media reports, Sloth World is not planning to open now amid the controversy and the owner is planning to file for bankruptcy.
Sloth World donated 13 surviving sloths to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford. The zoo disclosed that one of the animals in critical condition was euthanized Wednesday. The zoo is accepting donations to help with the sloths’ care. You can find information online on how to help.
