In a heartbreaking discovery, an undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has revealed disturbing treatment of sloths at a roadside zoo in Hauppauge, New York. The facility, called Sloth Encounters and operated by Larry Wallach, is now under fire after hidden footage captured staff hitting sloths, crowding them into stressful enclosures, and mishandling an injured animal.
The videos—released this week—paint a devastating picture of what life is like behind the scenes for these gentle, nocturnal creatures. In one clip, Wallach is seen aggressively grabbing a sloth’s head and neck. Other footage shows sloths fighting and showing signs of extreme stress.
A Silent Cry for Help
Sloths are shy, solitary animals. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, they’re known for their slow movements and peaceful nature. But don’t mistake their stillness for calm. According to The Sloth Institute, sloths freeze when scared—it’s a survival instinct. That stillness, often misread as contentment, may actually signal fear.
Touching or taking photos with sloths can elevate their stress levels, which, alongside poor nutrition, is a leading cause of death. Since sloths are also nocturnal, handling them during the day disrupts their natural sleep cycle. Constant exposure to bright lights, loud environments, and physical contact can lead to serious health issues like heart problems and high blood pressure.
A History of Harm
Unfortunately, this isn’t Wallach’s first brush with animal welfare violations. Between 2010 and 2023, he was cited 28 times by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for violating the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Past violations include unsafe handling, inadequate veterinary care, and housing animals in unsanitary, infested enclosures.
In 2013, Wallach’s license to exhibit animals was suspended for six months. That decision came after investigators found a tiger injured and untreated, a malnourished wallaby, and unsafe public encounters. Despite this history, he opened Sloth Encounters in 2022, where the public pays $50 to handle, feed, and pose for photos with sloths.
Not for Selfies
Experts warn that facilities like Sloth Encounters not only exploit the animals, but also mislead the public. Because sloths respond to fear by holding still, they may appear content while being handled—when in fact, they are terrified. This misunderstanding is part of what makes sloths so vulnerable to exploitation in roadside zoos and photo-op businesses.
“Our investigator documented how deplorable this operation is and the extent of abuse for profit,” said Brian Shapiro, New York state director for the HSUS. “Sloths are shy, nocturnal, tree-dwelling animals, uniquely unsuited for public interactions—yet they’re subjected to daily stressful handling. This is a sloth’s worst nightmare.”
Time to Speak Up
Roughly 130 U.S. facilities offer selfie-style interactions with sloths. Most of these animals have been taken from their natural environments and housed in conditions that experts say are harmful and traumatic. Constant human contact can lead to long-term stress, illness, and death.
Pet lovers, wildlife advocates, and concerned citizens are encouraged to contact their representatives and ask for stronger regulations on exotic animal encounters. If you’re considering supporting a sloth sanctuary, make sure it’s a legitimate, ethical organization that prioritizes the animals’ needs—not tourist entertainment.
Because no animal, especially not one as gentle and vulnerable as a sloth, deserves to suffer for a selfie.
