Spotted abandoned in a box on a street in Dubai, this wide-eyed primate the Slow Loris, has found a new home at The Green Planet.
The Green Planet and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) have teamed up to spread awareness about the primate, who is at risk of extinction in the wild, and put the spotlight back on the illicit animal trade in the region.
The animal that originates from Asia was mistreated and abandoned on Dubai streets.
It shares its critical status of extinction with African Elephants, Gorillas and Orangutans.
Paul Parker, General Manager at Family Entertainment Centers said, “We are so happy to be able to provide him with a home. The Slow Loris is a critically endangered species, meaning they should only be in captivity for breeding purposes, and we are now on a quest through the correct channels to find our Lonely Loris a girlfriend. We are looking at zoo databases globally to find a suitable female candidate.”
For the time being, Slow Loris will be sharing its new home with over 3,000 plants and animals at the rainforest glass bio-dome in City Walk. Tickets to The Green Planet will include access to meet and view Loris. Experts on site will help visitors gain more knowledge about this one of the rarest primates on earth. He can be found on the understory level, located on the second floor within the indoor tropical forest.
Some other facts about the Slow Loris:
- Although Slow Lorises are seen as slow movers, they frequently ’race walk’ and can move up to 8km per night.
- Equally, they are able to remain totally still for hours on end if required.
- The name 'Loris' is Dutch and means 'clown', which probably comes from the facial features that help to define the species.
- In parts of Asia, the Slow Loris is believed to be able to cure over 100 diseases!
- A Slow Loris has the ability to see in almost complete darkness – handy in the new Bat Cave.
- Loris is an omnivore (eats both meat and vegetation). Its diet is usually composed of insects, slugs, small mammals, fruit, leaves and various types of eggs.
- Loris also uses venom to protect its offspring.
- The lifespan of most Loris species is between 15 and 20 years.