The endangered YouTube slow loris…
With loads of cute videos of the adorable slow loris on YouTube, it’s no surprise it’s become a bit of an internet hit. But people wanting to keep these beautiful primates as pets is endangering the animal. Smugglers are poaching the animals, ripping out their teeth (as they can give humans a toxic bite) before sending them for long journeys which many don’t survive.
The most famous video of a loris apparently enjoying being tickled has been criticized by primate conservationist Dr Anna Nekaris. This clip alone has spurred many people to want these animals as they appear to enjoy the human interaction. But Dr Nekaris says as these creatures are nocturnal, the animal is more likely to be confused and blinded by the camera.
