Zoo Animals

Zoo Slow Loris Welfare and Illegal Trade

Slow lorises are highly threatened primates suffering enormously from the illegal pet trade and poor welfare in captivity, with teeth cutting and social isolation causing profound suffering.

Key Facts

Slow lorises are venomous primates illegally traded as exotic pets globally
Teeth are cut with nail clippers or scissors before sale to protect owners from venomous bites
The procedure causes severe pain, infection, and starvation as lorises cannot eat normally
Slow lorises are solitary in the wild and suffer from forced social contact with humans
YouTube videos of 'tickling' lorises contributed to demand growth despite welfare suffering

Welfare Considerations

Slow lorises suffer profoundly in the illegal pet trade from tooth removal, social stress, and inappropriate diet. Online demand drives enormous suffering that public education can reduce.

What You Can Do

Never share or engage with slow loris pet videos on social media
Report slow loris illegal trade or keeping to wildlife crime authorities
Support organisations combating slow loris trade and rescuing captive individuals
Raise awareness that slow loris 'cuteness' videos represent serious animal suffering