Slow lorises are illegally traded as pets — their viral appeal has created a conservation and welfare crisis.
The slow loris pet trade illustrates how viral media can accelerate wildlife welfare crises. Videos of lorises being tickled went viral globally — appearing cute while actually showing an animal in acute stress (raised arms is a defensive posture for venom delivery). The illegal pet trade responded to increased demand by increasing captures. Teeth are pulled without anesthesia — causing infections that often kill the animal. Slow lorises in illegal captivity suffer from inappropriate diet, lack of socialization, and the psychological stress of forced proximity to humans. Reporting and discouraging the sharing of illegal wildlife pet videos is a direct welfare action.