Endangered and Exploited: The Cruel Reality of Slow Lorises as Tourist Photo Props

Over the past few months, we have a seen a huge increase in the use and exploitation of endangered and protected slow lorises being used as tourist photo-props. Most notably at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi and Kata Beach, Phuket.

These shy nocturnal animals are illegally taken from their habitats, leading to population decline. Not only is this is a cruel life for each slow loris, but they require specific environmental conditions and care, which makes captivity extremely detrimental to their well-being.

• DO NOT partake in this cruel practice
• DO NOT pay to have your photo taken with these animals as you are directly contributing to their suffering and extinction.

IT IS ILLEGAL AND NEEDS TO STOP

Spreading awareness about the plight of slow lorises and the impact of wildlife tourism can help reduce demand and promote responsible tourism practices.

It’s important to report sightings of slow lorises being exploited in tourism.

Please report to The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), (Thai: กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช). They can be reached by calling 1362 or messaging them on Facebook, and/or email here.

Photos – Reports sent to WFFT over the last few months.