Zoo Animal Welfare

Zoo Slow Loris: Prevention of Trade and Captivity Welfare

Slow lorises are highly threatened primates whose welfare is severely compromised both in the illegal exotic pet trade and in inadequate captive conditions.

Key Facts

Slow lorises have their teeth cut with nail clippers before sale as pets, causing permanent harm
The viral 'tickling' videos online depict stress response not enjoyment - arms raised is a defence posture
Slow lorises require complex nocturnal environments, specialised diets including gum and nectar
They cannot be effectively kept in captivity without specialised facilities
All slow loris species are CITES Appendix I listed and trade is illegal

Welfare Considerations

Slow lorises suffer extensively in the illegal pet trade and in unsuitable captivity. Tooth-cutting without anaesthesia is extremely painful and causes lifelong inability to process normal food. The stress visible in viral videos represents sustained suffering. The best welfare outcome for lorises in inappropriate captivity is transfer to specialist facilities; for wild populations, prevention of capture through enforcement and education.

What You Can Do

Never share or engage positively with slow loris 'tickling' videos on social media
Report suspected slow loris trade to the CITES Trade Record Analysis database or local authorities
Support the Little Fireface Project and other loris conservation programmes
Educate others about why slow lorises cannot be pets
Donate to rescue centres that rehabilitate confiscated slow lorises