Ending the Commercial Sloth Trade
The Sloth Protection Alliance
The Sloth Protection Alliance is a coalition of leading sloth conservation, research, rehabilitation, and welfare organizations working to end the import and commercial exploitation of sloths in the United States.
Be Part of The Alliance!
More Than 50 Sloths Died. This Is Not an Isolated Incident.
The deaths linked to Sloth World Orlando exposed a much larger problem: a system that continues to allow wild sloths to be imported into the United States for commercial attractions, encounter experiences, and private ownership.
Right now, wild sloths are still being captured from the rainforest and shipped into the United States to supply the commercial sloth trade. Experts estimate that 80–90% die during the process of capture and trafficking before they even reach their destination.
The Sloth Protection Alliance was created to change that.
What Is the Sloth Protection Alliance?
The Sloth Protection Alliance is a coalition led by The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) and The Sloth Institute (TSI). Together, these organizations bring decades of combined expertise in:
Wild sloth research
Sloth conservation
Rescue and rehabilitation
Sloth husbandry
Rewilding and release
Habitat restoration
Wildlife policy and advocacy
Our goal is simple:
Keep Sloths Wild.
We are working to permanently end the importation of wild-caught sloths into the United States for commercial purposes and private ownership.
What We Are Fighting For
The Sloth Protection Alliance is currently advocating for:
A Permanent Ban on Wild Sloth Imports
Ending the importation of wild-caught sloths into the United States for commercial use and private ownership.
Stronger Sloth Welfare Protections
Creating stronger regulations and oversight for sloths currently held in captivity.
An End to Hands-On Sloth Encounters
Ending commercial experiences that allow direct public interaction with sloths.
A New Sensitive Species Classification
Advancing new permit and licensing frameworks for species with scientifically documented welfare vulnerabilities.
Transparency and Accountability
Ensuring public reporting and accountability when animals die in commercial facilities.
Meet the Organizations Behind the Alliance
The Sloth Conservation Foundation
The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) is internationally recognized for its long-term research on wild sloth populations and its conservation initiatives in Costa Rica.
The Sloth Institute (TSI) is a leading authority on sloth rescue, rehabilitation, husbandry, and release.
Background and Updates
Recent Progress | May 2026
In 2026, following months of investigations, media coverage, expert testimony, and meetings with policymakers, Florida announced a temporary halt on sloth imports.
This decision came shortly after meetings between representatives of the Sloth Protection Alliance and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
While this temporary pause is an important first step, our work is far from over. We are now working toward permanent protections at both state and federal levels.
Why Florida Matters
Approximately 98% of sloths imported into the United States enter through Miami.
As a result, Florida serves as the primary gateway for the commercial sloth trade in the country. Policy changes in Florida have implications that extend nationwide.
Help Us Keep Sloths in the Wild
Real policy change requires science, public awareness, legal expertise, and sustained advocacy. You can help by:
Sharing our work
Contacting policymakers
