By Paul Williams
Sanford Main Street President
If you’ve been watching the local news lately, you are likely aware of the heartbreaking situation unfolding just down the road. In late April, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens stepped up to take in 13 sloths that were voluntarily surrendered by the failed "Sloth World" facility in Orlando.
Due to the severe neglect and malnutrition these sweet animals suffered prior to their rescue, several have tragically passed away.
Our local zoo’s incredible veterinary team is working around the clock, providing intensive, 24/7 care to desperately keep the surviving sloths alive and healthy.
You might be wondering why Sanford Main Street—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the economic vitality of our downtown district—is stepping into animal rescue. The truth is, this particular crisis struck a chord that was simply too important to ignore. This is a community effort that is near and dear to our hearts. The initiative really sparked when our passionate board member, Patty Mahaney, contacted me. Patty was deeply moved by the sloths' plight and called me looking for concrete ideas on how we could raise money to help the zoo with its mounting rehabilitation costs.
We put our heads together because we knew we had to do something, and that brainstorm directly led to our latest community initiative: the Sloth Conservation Fundraiser.
We are incredibly proud to sell custom "Help Us Hang In There" t-shirts to support the zoo’s heroic efforts.
How You Can Help Support the Rescue:
- What: "Help Us Hang In There" T-Shirts (Unisex sizes - Adult & children)
- Cost: $35
- Where to Buy: The Sanford Information Center, 230 E. 1st St., Downtown Sanford.
- The Impact: 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to fund the specialized medical care and rehabilitation of these rescued sloths.
Our local zoo stepped up when these animals had nowhere else to go. Now, it is our turn as a community to step up for them. Please stop by the Sanford Information Center, grab a shirt, and help us give these precious animals the second chance they deserve.
To order or for more information go to www.sanfordmainstreet.com
