Congressman to Introduce Federal Sloth Import Ban
The proposed SLOTHS Act aims to restrict sloth imports following high mortality rates at an Orlando-based attraction.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Wildlife
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Should the federal government ban the importation of exotic animals for use in private attractions?
Representative Maxwell Frost is set to introduce the Stopping Legalized Organized Trafficking and Harm to Sloths Act on October 21, 2026. This federal legislation seeks to prohibit the importation of sloths into the United States, following the deaths of dozens of animals at a failed Orlando attraction.
Why it matters
The bill addresses the welfare concerns highlighted by the deaths of 55 sloths tied to the now-defunct Sloth World exhibit. By curbing imports, the legislation aims to prevent similar outcomes linked to poor conditions, disease, and transit stress.
The proposed legislation would enact a nationwide ban on sloth imports from countries including Guyana and Peru. The bill includes narrow exemptions for accredited research and conservation-focused breeding programs.
The players
Maxwell Frost
Maxwell Frost is a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Florida's 10th congressional district.
Orange County Sheriff's Office
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the Sloth World facility in Florida.
The details
The Orange County Sheriff's Office investigation into the Sloth World attraction identified that the animals perished due to disease, nutritional deficiencies, and extreme stress from transportation. The new legislation is being introduced to close regulatory gaps that allowed these imports to occur under substandard conditions.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Legislation introduction and news conference.
10 a.m. on October 21, 2026: News conference at the Central Florida Zoo.
Culture Shift
The introduction of the SLOTHS Act signals a growing societal push against the exotic pet trade and the commercial exploitation of wild animals in themed attractions. This reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing wildlife conservation over entertainment-driven demand for exotic species.
The proposed ban would effectively halt the entry of new sloths into the U.S. pet and entertainment market unless they meet strict research or conservation standards. Potential sloth owners and existing private animal exhibitors would see significant changes to legal acquisition pathways for these animals.
The takeaway
Legislators are increasingly focusing on the intersection of animal welfare and public safety in the wake of high-profile failures at private attractions. Consumers should be aware that the move aims to reduce the mortality rates associated with the global wildlife trade.
Further reading
Learn more about federal efforts to protect non-native animals on the Wildlife section page.
Live Poll
Should the federal government ban the importation of exotic animals for use in private attractions?
