The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford was named a 2026 NAVC Gives recipient, receiving a $10,000 award from the North American Veterinary Community in recognition of its veterinary and animal care work with 13 sloths that arrived on April 24 in critical condition from Sloth World. The zoo’s veterinary, animal care and nutrition teams launched an intensive rehabilitation effort, stabilizing the animals, developing individualized care plans, monitoring behavior and health, and adapting treatment strategies as needs evolved.
Five of the sloths did not survive despite intensive intervention and veterinary care; each loss was followed by a comprehensive diagnostic review that included necropsy and histopathology, helping inform ongoing care for the remaining animals. The award was presented by the North American Veterinary Community, whose chief executive noted the zoo’s extraordinary commitment to the sloths through clinical expertise, collaboration, innovation and compassion.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, a nonprofit accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is home to more than 350 animals and continues its conservation and education mission in Central Florida.
Press release issued by Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens:
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/central-florida-zoo-navc-gives-award/
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