Smithsonian National Zoo Welcomes 2 Endangered Slow Lorises

The Smithsonian Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has welcome two rare endangered slow lorises and they are the first of their species born at the zoo.

This is so important because these tiny animals are endangered.

The zoo explains on their Facebook post, "Slow clap for our Small Mammal House team, who welcomed a pair of pygmy slow loris babies March 21! They are the first of their endangered species born at the Smithsonian! Both appear to be healthy and strong. In a few months, veterinarians will determine the babies’ sexes."

Here's a sweet video of the little ones here:

In a press release, the Smithsonian says, "Native to Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Vietnam, pygmy slow lorises live in mixed deciduous and evergreen forests. The greatest threats facing this species are deforestation and the illegal pet trade. Much of their habitat has been cleared for the logging industry; they spend the majority of their time from 10 to 40 feet up in the forest canopy."

Related: Endangered Langur Monkey Baby Arrives at Oklahoma City Zoo

Fun Facts about Slow Lorises

Slow Lorises are endangered due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. The website for the Smithsonian explains, "Their faces are individually patterned with light and dark fur, usually including circles around their eyes that almost resemble clown makeup. In fact, the name "loris" comes from an old Dutch word for clown."

These little animals are smaller than your average squirrel, and their bodies are about 6 to 10 inches long. They are also nocturnal, and sleep curled up in the hollows of trees.

They eat mainly tree gum, saps and nectar, as well as insects. About 50-70% of their diet is tree sap!

The Smithsonian Zoo Facebook post explains, "Slow lorises are the only venomous primate! Located in their arm glands, the venom—combined with enzymes in their saliva—can produce a painful bite, allergic reaction and a slow-healing wound. It’s mostly used to ward off parasites and warn predators to stay away. You can help pygmy slow lorises! They’re endangered, in part, due to the illegal pet trade. Report any videos you see of them in someone’s home and/or raising their arms while being “tickled”; they don’t enjoy it and are exposing their venom glands to defend themselves."

How can something this cute be that dangerous? If not friend why friend shaped?

If you would like to visit the Smithsonian Zoo and maybe see these adorable new arrivals, you can find information including zoo hours, admission prices and location here.

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