Our Team

Peter A. Bandré is a renowned naturalist and conservationist with over 40 years of dedicated experience in the study and managed care of specialized wildlife. His career is defined by a deep-rooted commitment to protecting vulnerable species and advancing the scientific understanding of some of the world’s most enigmatic creatures.

In 1986, Pete founded the Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS), a landmark 501(c)(3) organization that revolutionized sea turtle conservation in Florida. His pioneering work in stranding rescue and beach-lighting mitigation earned him an outstanding achievement award from the National Marine Fisheries Service and established the gold standard for community-based conservation.

Beyond his work with marine life, Pete has spent more than 30 years refining the husbandry and biological care of edentates. Over three decades, he has overseen the health and welfare of more than 200 sloths, amassing a wealth of data on their unique metabolic and environmental requirements.

A recognized authority in the field, Pete is the author of the definitive text:

Nurturing the Unique Treasures of Nature: A Definitive Guide to Two-Toed Sloth Care This comprehensive work serves as a vital resource for professionals and zoological institutions, providing science-based protocols for maintaining the health and longevity of sloths in managed environments.

Currently, Pete serves as the Vice President and Head of Animal Care at Sloth World in Orlando, Florida. In this role, he continues to bridge the gap between education and research, ensuring that every animal under his stewardship benefits from decades of expertise in nutrition, habitat stabilization, and low-stress environmental design.

Q&A

What is your role at Sloth World, and what does your day-to-day look like?

I am one of the lead keepers here at sloth world. As a lead I am in charge of initial checks on the sloths and I am a “go-to” person if anyone has questions or concerns. I also assist with any medical needs when necessary and assure that all sloths are receiving the best care possible. I also help in diet prep and husbandry along side my peers.

What inspired you to join Sloth World?

My love for conservation is what inspired me to join. As humans it’s our job to be the voice for the voiceless. I want to educate the public on what we do and why we do it.

What is your background or experience that prepared you for this role?

I have a B.S in wildlife biology with a specialization in wildlife rehabilitation. I have worked in numerous places ranging from domestic animals, exotics, and wildlife. I have worked in AZA accredited facilities along with non profit as well!

What do you love most about working with sloths or being part of Sloth World?

Seeing the personalities of the sloths grow as you build relationships with them. They all have different personalities and preferences. I love being part of a team and a company that wants to help other organizations succeed with sloth research and conservation as well.

What is one fun or surprising fact about sloths that most people don’t know?

Their organs are placed differently from other animals to accommodate their upside down lifestyle!

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

As a Florida native, I love anything to do with the outdoors, I enjoy the theme parks, spending time with friends, and relaxing with a good book!

Q&A

What is your role at Sloth World, and what does your day-to-day look like?

I’m a lead animal keeper at sloth world. My day to day consists of doing a health check on all the sloths, preparing diets, administering medications, husbandry care, observation, record keeping, cleaning/sanitization, making sure proper protocols are being followed, and overseeing fellow keepers.

What inspired you to join Sloth World?

My love for animals and the opportunity to work with Pete Bandré.

What is your background or experience that prepared you for this role?

I am a certified veterinary assistant with over 8 years of animal experience. I got my start volunteering at my local aquarium when I was 15 years old. I have a lot of experience working with dogs, most notably with Explosive Detection K9 dogs. I also have a background in public speaking, and guest services.

What do you love most about working with sloths or being part of Sloth World?

I love being able to get to know the sloths on a personal level and getting to learn all of their fun personalities. I also enjoy the fun and lively atmosphere of the team.

What is one fun or surprising fact about sloths that most people don’t know?

That sloths are excellent swimmers.

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

I love anything to do with the beach!

Q&A

What is your role at Sloth World, and what does your day-to-day look like?

I am an animal keeper at sloth world. My daily duties include anything from; preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, hand feeding, giving medications, assisting with minor medical procedures, and anything else that may be required of me.

What inspired you to join Sloth World?

I have always been an animal lover and advocate, so when my friend told me about the great place she had been working at I knew I needed to join her. I also knew sloths were facing many issues with habitat loss and I wanted to be a part of something that would be beneficial to them.

What is your background or experience that prepared you for this role?

I have a collective 10 years of experience in the animal care industry. I have done animal husbandry for a variety of species as well as being a certified dog trainer.

What do you love most about working with sloths or being part of Sloth World?

Before working with sloths I never realized how personable and fun they could be. I have loved getting to know each individual and learning all their quirks. They are truly an amazing animal and have been so much fun to work with.

What is one fun or surprising fact about sloths that most people don’t know?

I think it’s crazy that sloths are 3 times stronger than us!

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

Animals really are the center of my life both in and outside of work. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my pets and going to theme parks or zoos.

Q&A

What is your role at Sloth World, and what does your day-to-day look like?

I’m an animal caretaker. My day is filled with food prep, weighing food in and out, maintaining proper records and disbursing necessary meds, providing positive interactions with the sloths and observing behaviors. Also necessary husbandry and following proper sanitizing protocols. All in a hot humid environment!

What inspired you to join Sloth World?

I’m an animal lover! I had recently relocated to the area and had prior animal experience. This opportunity to work with sloths was not only incredibly intriguing but encouraging to learn more about their care and conservation!

What is your background or experience that prepared you for this role?

I have over 9 years of experience with the SPCA in animal care. That includes behavior, training, husbandry, assisting with medical needs for a range of animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, small rodents and occasional farm animals, such as pigs. You have to learn discipline and patience which is definitely something a sloth caretaker needs.

What do you love most about working with sloths or being part of Sloth World?

I enjoy the team of people that I work with. We all have a variety of animal backgrounds but together we have formed a great sloth care team! These sloths are amazing, adorable and fascinating animals! You need to be patient and compassionate with them.

What is one fun or surprising fact about sloths that most people don’t know?

Sloths do not have enamel on their teeth like humans. Because of this, their teeth can turn black or dark brown from the compounds in leaves they eat.

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

I am an avid baker and love finding new local adventures!

Q&A

What is your role at Sloth World, and what does your day-to-day look like?

I work at Sloth World as an animal caretaker. My day-to-day consists of providing each animal with a proper diet, making sure that their habitats are clean and comfortable for them, and administering any type of supplements and/or medications they may require. As caretakers, we’re also responsible for learning the behavior of each animal. Learning how each individual behaves not only can alert us if something is wrong, it can also help us come up with fun, enrichment ideas for every animal.

What inspired you to join Sloth World?

Honestly, I just love working with animals. As a kid, I always wanted to be The Crocodile Hunter. Wildlife has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. Working with animals is amazing. You not only learn about whatever species you’re caring for, you ultimately end up learning a lot about yourself.

What is your background or experience that prepared you for this role?

I’ve worked with animals the majority of my life. I’ve always had domestic pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, and various species of rodents. In addition to that, I’ve worked hands-on with most species of crocodilians, monitor lizards, snakes, and numerous other reptiles and amphibians. At home, my wife and I foster dogs and volunteer for a rescue.

What do you love most about working with sloths or being part of Sloth World?

We have a great team of caretakers at Sloth World. Everyone gels and is on the same page. It’s rare to go to a workplace and everyone is a friend. We’re fortunate enough that that’s the type of team that we have. In regards to the sloths, you have to love them. They’re hilarious, and every single one has their own personality.

What is one fun or surprising fact about sloths that most people don’t know?

Sloths’ closest living relatives are anteaters and armadillos.

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

Crazy enough, working with sloths is my hobby. I’m here out of my passion for animals. For my career, I actually work as a stand-up comedian. I’ve toured all over the world. You should come out to a show some time.

Q&A

What is your role at Sloth World, and what does your day-to-day look like?

I’m the manager here at Sloth World! I head daily operations involving animal care, habitat maintenance, and all of our amazing keepers.

What inspired you to join Sloth World?

Sloths have always been a fascinating creature to me. I would always seek them out at any zoo I’ve visited. They’re just simply one of my favorites! I’m always up for a challenge and I knew this position would hold new learning opportunities and push my expertise just a little further.

What is your background or experience that prepared you for this role?

I was raised in Montana where I competed in rodeo and was raised with horses and cattle. I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals.

I grew that passion further with keeping reptiles and amphibians. In 2021, I helped establish and manage a reptile and aquatic shop that specializes in bioactive and living ecosystems. I started my own educational programs taking my reptile ambassadors to schools, museums and my local college to promote education and conservation in the reptile hobby.

What do you love most about working with sloths or being part of Sloth World?

I love that every day is an opportunity to learn something new and adapt to what these complex animals need and deserve. I love building relationships with each animal in our care, learning their little quirks and personalities.

What is one fun or surprising fact about sloths that most people don’t know?

Sloth’s nipples are located in their armpits and rather than storing any amount of milk for their baby, they produce it as they nurse.

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

As mentioned prior, I’m a reptile keeper at heart, I have various species of snakes and geckos. I’m also a plant keeper and love anything rare and tropical and I also dabble in wildlife photography!

Matt Doolittle is a seasoned media and marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience driving audience growth, brand partnerships, and revenue across television, digital platforms, and experiential destinations. A longtime producer and on-air host for the nationally syndicated show Daily Flash, he has led high-impact, multi-platform campaigns for major brands and attractions, combining strategic distribution with compelling, authentic storytelling.

Currently, Matt serves as Director of Marketing at Sloth World in Orlando, Florida, where he leads brand strategy and go-to-market execution for the world’s first and only slotharium. He oversees partnerships with hotels, OTAs, travel trade, and media outlets, positioning Sloth World as a premium, conservation-driven attraction while ensuring consistent demand, a high-quality guest experience, and alignment with the organization’s animal-first mission.