Meet the slow loris, the only existing venomous primate. This adorable creature, whose big eyes and timid demeanor have garnered it internet fame and media attention, is now threatened with extinction as they become increasingly popular as pets. Wildlife Alliance rescues these small mammals from markets and poachers where they are sold as pets or for traditional medicine.

Meet the slow loris, the only existing venomous primate. This adorable creature, whose big eyes and timid demeanor have garnered it internet fame and media attention, is now threatened with extinction as they become increasingly popular as pets. Wildlife Alliance rescues these small mammals from markets and poachers where they are sold as pets or for traditional medicine.

credit Joshua Prieto

Meet Pey

Pey was rescued from a market on the outskirts of Phnom Penh by a well-meaning Cambodian who purchased her in an attempt to save her from a trader. She was found terrified, stressed, and in desperate need of medical attention.

Slow lorises are the only venomous primates in the world, and can secrete a toxin from glands located on their elbows, which when mixed with their saliva, produces a toxic bite. In order to sell her as a pet, Pey’s teeth had been painfully clipped off. Unfortunately, this means that she will have to live at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center so keepers can ensure she receives proper care and a sufficient diet, which would be impossible for her in the wild.

The pressures from the pet trade and habitat destruction have caused wild population declines across the whole of its native range. They are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with insufficient data available to estimate the population.

Although Pey will never be able to return to the forest, you can help keep her happy and comfortable, and ensure the best possible future for her by being a sponsor!

credit Joshua Prieto

Meet Pey

Pey was rescued from a market on the outskirts of Phnom Penh by a well-meaning Cambodian who purchased her in an attempt to save her from a trader. She was found terrified, stressed, and in desperate need of medical attention.

Slow lorises are the only venomous primates in the world, and can secrete a toxin from glands located on their elbows, which when mixed with their saliva, produces a toxic bite. In order to sell her as a pet, Pey’s teeth had been painfully clipped off. Unfortunately, this means that she will have to live at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center so keepers can ensure she receives proper care and a sufficient diet, which would be impossible for her in the wild.

The pressures from the pet trade and habitat destruction have caused wild population declines across the whole of its native range. They are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with insufficient data available to estimate the population.

Although Pey will never be able to return to the forest, you can help keep her happy and comfortable, and ensure the best possible future for her by being a sponsor!