Exotic Animal Exhibitor’s Sloth Encounter Plans Face Opposition in South Florida

An exotic animal exhibitor previously shut down in New York is seeking to establish a sloth encounter business in Margate, drawing intense backlash from animal welfare organizations and local officials. Larry Wallach appeared before the Margate City Commission on May 6 with a sloth, presenting his proposal to operate the venture in the South Florida community. The timing of his initiative has fueled outrage among activists, who point to recent catastrophic events in the industry.

A separate sloth transport operation to Orlando resulted in the deaths of 55 animals due to inadequate warehouse conditions lacking heat, water, humidity, and electricity, prompting the cancellation of a planned Sloth World facility. James Wildman of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida characterized Wallach’s proposal as “incredibly tone-deaf” given the tragic circumstances. Animal activist Ana Campos stated that “the last thing that we need is a Sloth World in Broward County,” with Ronald Roberts expressing shock that the community would consider similar ventures after the Orlando incident.

Margate City Commissioner Joanne Simone publicly opposed Wallach’s application, declaring her personal objection to the business opening in the municipality. The commission denied his initial proposal based on code violations, though Wallach was permitted to resubmit an amended application. PETA has filed complaints at both local and state levels, with spokesperson Amanda Brody citing Wallach’s history of over 60 animal welfare violations documented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Wallach disputes characterizations of his record, describing the citations as routine inspection reports and claiming minor infractions such as broken hoses and water bowls. He downplayed an undercover video from his now-closed Long Island location showing a potentially dangerous interaction with a sloth. His New York storefront was shut down by court order, prompting his relocation efforts to Florida as he pursues renewal of his USDA license.

The exhibitor maintains that his animals are captive-bred rather than wild-caught, claiming to source them exclusively from breeders without providing documentation. As the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission strengthens restrictions on sloth imports from the wild, Wallach suggested alternative locations, noting that Loxahatchee’s agricultural designation would provide fewer regulatory constraints if Margate ultimately rejects his proposal.