Slow lorises are a group of primates with distinctively large eyes found in South and Southeast Asia. Despite the docile appearance, slow lorises have a toxic bite—they lick the secretion of a gland on their arm which becomes a toxin when mixed with saliva. To protect their infants from predators, slow lorises also apply this toxin to their fur.
Slow lorises are a popular pet in Japan, however many are harmed from illegal trade and smuggling. International trade results in a high mortality, and many animal dealers would cut or pull the slow lorises’ needle-like teeth before selling them, which could cause death from severe bleeding or dental infection. They also don’t do well in captivity generally.
