Wildlife

Wild Pygmy Slow Loris Illegal Pet Trade Welfare

Pygmy slow lorises are among the most trafficked primates in the world, suffering extreme welfare harm in the illegal pet trade due to their deceptive appearance of cuteness.

Key Facts

Slow lorises are venomous primates native to Southeast Asia
They go viral on social media appearing to enjoy being tickled - actually a fear response
Teeth are cut with wire cutters before sale causing pain, infection, and often death
They are listed as Vulnerable to Critically Endangered depending on species
Rescues from the pet trade often find animals severely malnourished and traumatized

Welfare Considerations

Slow lorises in the pet trade suffer from illegal capture, traumatic tooth extraction, improper diet causing metabolic bone disease, and profound psychological stress from captivity. The social media popularity of slow loris videos directly drives demand for pet trade animals. Sharing and liking such videos perpetuates serious animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Never share social media videos of slow lorises as pets
Report illegal slow loris trade to TRAFFIC and local wildlife authorities
Do not purchase or adopt slow lorises as pets
Support Little Fireface Project and other slow loris conservation organizations
Educate others about the welfare harm behind cute slow loris videos