Animal rights activists come out in force against Suffolk County Business Sloth Encounters LI

ISLIP, NY — There’s a heated battle over L.I. with the Long Island sloth.

The business offers a so-called “one-of-a-kind experience” that allows you to hold and feed the small mammals one-on-one.

CBS2’s Carolyn Gussoff reported Tuesday that animal advocates are calling for it to be shut down.

Animal specialist Larry Wallach, along with investors, opened Sloth Discovery LI in Hauppauge this spring to the delight of fans.

“My job is to educate the public about wildlife. If you go to another sloth encounter, it will get you nowhere,” Walla said. “Humidity, modern heaters, refrigerators. They have a lot of room.”

But animal rights activists, led by anthropozoologist John Di Leonardo, called for Islip to be closed.

“Sloth Encounters is teaching kids all the wrong lessons that we control, and they’re teaching them to be locked up next to an ice cream shop on Route 347. These animals belong in Costa Rica or in a famous sanctuary,” DiLeonardo said.

For Walch, it dates back years, and brought up a stack of USDA violations after the business was cited for fire code violations. Wallach was immediately corrected. The building, which used to be a pool supply store, is licensed by the Suffolk County Zoo, but does not have a city of Islip permit.

Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter said, “If you decide to change the use to something different from what it was, you have to apply for a change of use permit. They’re doing it illegally right now.”

Wallah said he is working on getting his license, and has never abused an animal.

“They’re safe. They get good food. I have good vet care,” Walch said.

“They’re nocturnal. They’re sensitive. They don’t want to be held. They don’t want to be touched, and we’ve had two reports of bites,” DiLeonardo said.

The popularity of sloths is undeniable.

“I’ve always had a hard time catching a sloth,” said Began Busto of Sloh Encounters LI.

“I don’t see anything negative about it. The animals are healthy and happy and people are enjoying it,” said employee Ashley Herkomer.

“People shouldn’t be seen to control it,” added opponent Tanya Beecher.

Nothing is expected to move quickly. To comply with city code, the city must provide LI with slot findings by the end of the month, or the case could end up in court.

Over 200 Sloths have signed a counter-petition supporting LI’s findings.