Another ‘Ex-pet’ Slow Loris in need of Urgent Care

A young male Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) named ‘Chin’ was brought into the WFFT Wildlife Hospital for treatment after his ‘owners’ had noticed a deterioration in his health. After being checked over by the WFFT Vet Team it has been determined that this poor little one has metabolic bone disease. The current owners had kept him for 4 months during this time his ability to move around and climb, gradually became worse.

The Bengal Slow Loris is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is due to loss of habitat and severe pressures from hunting, there is more than 30% reduction in population over three generations. The species is predicted to decline by more than 30% in the next three generations over its entire range due to continuing hunting pressures and loss of habitat. The major threats that this species’ habitat faces include farming, timber removal, human settlement, road building, dams, power lines, fragmentations, soil loss and erosion, and deliberately set fires. They are hunted and traded for food, traditional “medicine”, sport, and as pets.

Chin is young and with suitable care and veterinary treatment we have hope that his ability to moved around will improve and he will once again be able to live a near normal life. He is for now receiving instensive care and rehabilitation by our vet team. Keep Wildlife Wild and Not as Pets!!!