SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has received a $10,000 award to support its rehabilitation of 13 rescued sloths.
The grant from NAVC Gives, the charitable arm of the North American Veterinary Community, recognizes the Sanford Zoo’s veterinary and animal care efforts for the sloths, which arrived in critical condition in April.
The animals came from Sloth World on April 24 and needed significant medical and nutritional care. Zoo staff launched an intensive effort involving veterinary, animal care and nutrition teams to stabilize the sloths and develop individualized treatment plans.
Caregivers kept routines consistent and worked to minimize stress, allowing staff to track each animal’s feeding patterns, personality and subtle behavioral changes that could signal health problems.
Five of the 13 sloths died despite the zoo’s efforts. Veterinarians conducted necropsies and histopathology to better understand the severe conditions the animals had when they arrived and to guide care for the survivors.
Zoo CEO Richard Glover said the work has required patience and perseverance from staff.
“Sloth care is a lesson in patience, observation and perseverance,” Glover said. “Our veterinary and animal care teams have poured their knowledge, compassion and countless hours into these animals.”
NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill said the organization created NAVC Gives to recognize people and organizations making a difference in animal health.
“The Central Florida Zoo’s team has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to these sloths through clinical expertise, collaboration, innovation and, importantly, compassion,” O’Neill said.
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