So Squee! Friday presents the Slow Loris!

The Slow Loris is one of the few mammals in the world that is also venomous (the platypus also shares this dangerous trait). It can be difficult to remember that fact, though, once you glimpse their adorable faces!


Photo from internationalanimalrescue.blogspot.com

These nocturnal cuties have the ability to stay completely motionless for hours, blending into their habitats. They have a special system of capillaries that keep their limbs from falling asleep! Although they do tend to move slowly and have a slow metabolism, they are able to move quickly if they are startled or scared.


This slow loris doesn’t quite know what to make of this tiny rice ball!

Do you think he’s decided that it tastes good?

The slow loris has an omnivorous diet that, in the wild, is typically about 50% fruit, 30% animal protein, and 10% bark and sap exuded from Gluta trees. Their animal protein come from birds’ eggs and insects.


Being tempted with some fruit!


This little guy enjoys a tasty banana!

The slow loris is a vulnerable species, threatened by the illegal wildlife trade, the exotic pet trade, and habitat loss. Some hunters and villagers in Southeast Asia believe that the slow loris has supernatural powers and can ward off evil spirits and cure illness, which causes many to be killed and sold for traditional medicine. These villagers also believe that certain parts of a slow loris can be used to curse enemies.

If you’d like to learn more or help save the slow loris, please visit the International Animal Rescue. This rescue rehabilitates slow lorises that have been surrendered by their owners or rescued from the illegal exotic pet trade. You can even help sponsor a slow loris named Cepat, who is unable to be returned to the wild due to his owners removing his teeth.

To see Cepat and learn more about his rescue, check out this video: