A federal inspection report says a child was bitten by a sloth during a public animal interaction at Aloha Safari Park in Cameron, raising new safety concerns at the popular Sandhills-area attraction.
The Aloha Safari Park sloth bite incident was detailed in an April inspection report from the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
According to the report, guests were allowed to sit with a sloth placed on their lap while supervised by a zoo attendant. During one interaction, a child reportedly leaned in to kiss or hug the animal when the sloth bit the child on the face.
Aloha Safari Park Sloth Bite Classified as Critical Violation
The USDA report stated the child suffered a small wound to the chin and received medical treatment. Federal inspectors determined the zoo failed to maintain enough distance or barriers between visitors and the animal.
The report labeled the Aloha Safari Park sloth bite incident as a critical violation of federal animal handling regulations.
According to inspectors, attendants instruct visitors to keep their faces away from the sloth. However, the report stated the employee supervising the interaction was speaking with another parent when the incident happened.
The USDA says public exhibitions involving animals must minimize the risk of harm to both visitors and animals.
Zoo Ends Public Sloth Encounters
Following the incident, zoo management reportedly ended public interactions involving the sloth and placed the animal in quarantine.
Aloha Safari Park, located in Cameron near Moore County and Harnett County, is a well-known family destination across the Sandhills region.
The USDA regularly conducts inspections of licensed animal exhibitors across North Carolina and the United States. Inspection reports are publicly available through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The incident has generated attention across Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Pinehurst, and surrounding communities as families prepare for summer travel and local attractions.
For continuing coverage from across the Sandhills, stay connected with Star 102.5 and Sandhills News.
