I’m so excited to announce the release of this @natgeo book! Based on the true story of one of my all time favorite sloths - story by the award winning @engle.margarita and photos by me @samtrull !
Coming February, 2023
#sloths #slothinstitute #natgeokids #costarica #destinythesloth
BREAKING: Florida wildlife officials announced a temporary halt on sloth imports following the investigation into Sloth World Orlando and the deaths of more than 50 sloths linked to the facility.
This announcement comes just days after Dr. Rebecca Cliffe from The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) and Sam Trull from The Sloth Institute (TSI) met directly with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and traveled to Orlando, Florida, where they spent several days meeting with lawmakers, representatives, commissioners, local authorities, and policymakers to discuss the urgent need for stronger protections for sloths in the United States.
As organizations that have spent years studying, rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting sloths, we know these animals are highly specialized, extremely sensitive, and fundamentally unsuitable for commercial captive environments, tourist attractions, sloth encounters, and the exotic pet trade.
Approximately 98% of sloths imported into the United States enter through Miami, making Florida the main gateway for the commercial sloth trade into the country. This means the implications of this decision go far beyond Florida itself.
This temporary pause is an important first step, but our work is far from over.
The Sloth Conservation Foundation and The Sloth Institute will continue working toward permanent protections, stronger regulations, and ultimately a nationwide ban on the import of wild-caught sloths for commercial use and private ownership in the United States.
This moment shows what is possible when science, experts, journalists, policymakers, and the public come together to demand change.
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#Orlando #SlothConservation #Florida
"The last time they would ever eat in the wild."
On May 6 in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe from The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) and Sam from The Sloth Institute (TSI) joined state and federal offices, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss the growing concerns surrounding the commercial trade and use of sloths in the United States.
The meetings and press conference come after months of investigations, public concern, and media coverage surrounding Sloth World Orlando, a now-closed animal attraction linked to the deaths of more than 50 sloths.
As experts in sloth research, conservation, rehabilitation, and welfare, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe and Sam Trull traveled to Orlando to provide scientific and field-based insight into why sloths are fundamentally unsuitable for commercial captive environments, particularly those involving tourist encounters and high levels of human exposure.
Support our work, visit our website, spread the word!
Watch the full press conference on SlothCo's channel. Links in bio and stories
@slothconservation@becky.sloth@samtrull #theslothinstitute #slothconservation #endslothexploitation #notapet #borntobewild
This morning, The Sloth Institute and @theslothconservation are on the ground in Orlando alongside state and federal representatives and members of the press, sharing expert insight into the world of sloths and why stronger U.S. laws are urgently needed to protect them from capture and exploitation in commercial entertainment.
In this morning's press conference, our founders, @samtrull and @becky.sloth , stand in front of what would have been 'Sloth World' in Orlando to speak to the public about sloths, bringing forward decades of research and conservation experience as to why places like 'Sloth World' are not only unethical, but bad business.
The goal of this collaboration is to end the commercial trade of sloths into the United States and drive meaningful legislative change that puts a stop to future operations that exploit wild sloths for commercial entertainment.
Join us later today:
🕞 3:30 p.m. EST - Press conference with Congressman Maxwell Frost
📺 Where to watch: Full coverage of today’s press events is available on YouTube via @fox35orlando
The link to the livestream is in our stories.
Join us live TODAY!
The heads of The Sloth Conservation Foundation and The Sloth Institute have met in Orlando, Florida, to speak with state and federal offices, share expertise on sloth research and conservation, and provide scientific insight into the harmful use of sloths in the commercial wildlife trade.
Join us live on Instagram on May 6:
9:00 a.m. EST — Press conference with Anna Eskamani
3:30 p.m. EST — Press conference with Maxwell Frost
After months of working behind the scenes to bring attention to the realities of the commercial sloth trade, we are taking the next step.
The Sloth Conservation Foundation and The Sloth Institute are now engaging directly with policymakers to ensure that decisions affecting sloths are informed by science, research, and real-world expertise.
Dr. Rebecca Cliffe and Sam Trull will be in Orlando, Florida, meeting with state and federal offices and sharing expert insight on sloth research and conservation, as well as the scientific evidence showing why the commercial trade and use of sloths is harmful to their health and welfare.
This is the beginning of a new phase. One focused on turning knowledge into action, and awareness into lasting change.
Join us live on our Instagram on May 6: 9:00 a.m. EST — Press conference with Rep. Anna Eskamani @annaforflorida 3:30 p.m. EST — Press conference with Congressman Maxwell Frost @repmaxwellfrost
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#Orlando
#SlothWorld
#Justice
For this month’s #slothofthemonth and in honor of #Maythefourth we’ve decided to do a throw back to one of our all time favorite sloths and all time favorite Star Wars characters, Grogu! For those that remember her, get ready to hear more of her story. For those that never knew her, you’re going to fall in love!
Her story starts in a forest far far away when a Good Samaritan noticed a tiny newborn baby clinging to her mother’s dead body. Luckily, they brought her to us where she could receive much needed care including around the clock feedings and of course her very own basket and watchful Mandalorian caretaker.
Stay tuned for more! This is the way…
#Maythefourthbewithyou #theslothinstitute #slothrescue @themandalorian@pascalispunk
Our veterinarian, @wildvet.anaflaca reviewed publicly available records, reports, and necropsy findings connected to Sloth World, and what we found raises serious concerns.
The evidence points to recurring animal welfare issues, mortality risks, and the harsh reality of keeping sloths in commercial captivity. Sloths are highly specialized wild animals with complex physical and behavioral needs that entertainment facilities cannot meet.
This review reinforces what science and field experience have shown for years: sloths do not belong in commercial encounters, photo ops, or exploitative captive settings.
We’re calling for greater transparency, accountability, and stronger protections to end the commercial use of sloths.
Read the full report at the link in our bio.
***UPDATED Caption***
An update on the 13 rescued sloths from Sloth World in Orlando which are currently receiving care at an AZA accredited zoo. Thank you to @centralflzoo for stepping up to take care of these sloths.
While we are happy these sloths are now safe, there is more work to do. Fox News just reported that they have confirmation of 52 deaths in total so far. Also there is discrepancy between the number of total imported sloths, FWC records that were sent to us originally tallied to 79 sloths imported between Dec. 2024 and March 2026, but that included a duplicate shipment bringing the current known total of imported sloths down to 69. This leaves 4 sloths now unaccounted for.
Stay tuned while we continue to work to dismantle this system of commercial exploitation of sloths.
Sloth World Orlando has been permanently closed, and the remaining sloths have been surrendered to accredited institutions.
This outcome didn’t happen in isolation.
It happened because people spoke up.
Because information was shared.
Because journalists investigated.
Because former employees came forward.
Because thousands of you refused to ignore it.
This was a collective effort, and it made a difference. To everyone who raised their voice, shared a post, had a conversation, or helped bring attention to this story: THANK YOU!
But this is not the end. Sloths are still being taken from the wild and used for exhibition, encounters, and profit-driven attractions across the U.S. This moment shows what’s possible when people pay attention, but it also makes one thing clear: there is still work to do. 👉 Read the full press release and learn more at the link in bio and stories.
#SlothConservation #SlothInstitute
This photo is really old (from more than 10 years ago) of an orphaned baby possum being fed.
I’ve always been drawn to wildlife rescue.
Something about righting the wrongs that we (humans) do to others and speaking up for those that can’t speak for themselves.
Earth day is right around the corner it’s a good time to go out and give back to the planet - 🌎 including all of the little creatures that call it home.
#wildlifephotography #wildlifeconservation #nikon
