Recent Rescue of 14 Slow Lorises Shows What the Illegal Pet Trade Really Looks Like (PHOTOS)

Javan Slow lorises are among the unfortunate animals who can be found on the critically endangered species list. Why is this? Well, they often fall prey to poachers and traders who attempt to sell them for profit.

Recently, the International Animal Rescue (IAR) team saved 14 of these amazing animals. The lorises were caught by poachers and ripped out of their natural habitat to be sold as pets. They were stuffed into cramped, dirty cages, until confiscated from traffickers by Police and Forestry officials and then immediately rushed to International Animal Rescue’s center for life-saving treatment. According to IAR, the case and the individual involved are currently under investigation by the police.

The 14 rescued lorises included six females, seven males, and one infant of unknown gender. The lorises were sadly suffering from dehydration and diarrhea. Some were injured after being cramped into the small cages with too many other lorises. Their teeth had not yet been clipped or damaged, an all too common barbaric practice often inflicted on lorises captures for the pet trade, to prevent injury to potential buyers or dealers.

Could you imagine being forcefully taken out of their natural home and put in a completely new, stressful situation? That’s the reality of the illegal pet trade. 

The rescue team is currently working around the clock to provide the lorises with everything they need to survive, including necessary medical care.

With the help of IAR’s caretakers and vets, these beautiful animals will hopefully get back to health and will be released back to the wild soon.

Tragically, the demand for slow loris pets has completely annihilated their wild populations, and now, Javan slow lorises are critically endangered. While their big, round eyes and calm demeanor, these animals seem like sweet companions, but they are not fit to be pets … at all.

International Animal Rescue team desperately needs Support to spread this message and help animals in need. Donating is a fantastic way to help – just five dollars can help the organization get one syringe with nutrients and vitamins that the lorises need. Click here to find out how to Donate and help the lorises.

Share this article and encourage others to think twice before buying an exotic pet – it might seem fun for you, but think of the animals.

All Image Source: International Animal Rescue/Facebook