STPS Statement on Recent Sloth World Reports and Organizational Affiliation

Written by Joel Cohen, STPS Director of Communications

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS) is aware of recent reports involving Sloth World, an Orlando-area business associated with Peter Bandré.

First and most importantly, we are heartbroken and appalled by the reports of suffering and death involving numerous sloths connected to Sloth World. As an organization dedicated to wildlife protection, conservation ethics, animal welfare, and public trust, STPS condemns animal neglect, cruelty, and preventable suffering in the strongest possible terms. The details being reported are deeply disturbing, and they do not reflect the values, standards, or mission of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. We support a full and thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities and accountability wherever wrongdoing is found.

We also want to clarify our history, governance, and current relationship to Mr. Bandré. STPS was founded in 1986 by Peter Bandré. However, Mr. Bandré has not held a leadership position, served on our Board of Directors, represented our organization, or had any operational authority within STPS for more than 30 years.

Earlier this year, as part of our 40th anniversary recognition, Bandré was invited to attend and speak about the organization’s early history. At that time, STPS was not aware of the serious animal-welfare allegations now being reported in connection with Sloth World.

His attendance at that anniversary event was historical in nature only. It did not reflect any current leadership role, board position, operational authority, partnership, endorsement, financial relationship, or ongoing affiliation with STPS.

Today, STPS is an independent, community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit governed by an autonomous Board of Directors. Our board members are unpaid volunteers, and our mission work is carried out by dedicated volunteers who serve under state and federal permit requirements and established conservation protocols.

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society has no current operational affiliation, partnership, financial relationship, active organizational role, or ongoing working relationship with Peter Bandré, Sloth World, Incredible Pets, or any associated for-profit business ventures.

Since 1986, STPS has remained focused on one mission: Helping Sea Turtles Survive through conservation, permitted field work, public education, and the protection of marine life and coastal habitat in Brevard County.

Our hearts are with the animals who suffered, the caregivers and responders now working to protect the surviving sloths, and every person who has been shaken by these reports.

We understand why members of the public may have questions. We hope this statement makes clear that STPS is an independent, non-profit organization with its own leadership, governance, permits, volunteers, ethics, and mission.

Our commitment remains unchanged: to protect sea turtles, support responsible wildlife conservation, and uphold the public trust placed in our organization.

Sincerely,
Joel Cohen
Director of Communications
Sea Turtle Preservation Society
A 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization