A tiny, wide-eyed resident has joined the Bronx Zoo.
A pygmy slow loris has become the first primate to be born at the zoo’s newly updated “World of Darkness” exhibit, the Wildlife Conservation Society said in a news release.
What You Need To Know
A pygmy slow loris has been born at the Bronx Zoo’s newly updated “World of Darkness” exhibit
Native to Southeast Asia, pygmy slow lorises are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature
Infants are born fully furred with their eyes open and grow to about one pound when they reach adulthood, the Wildlife Conservation Society said
Born Dec. 13 of last year, the miniature primate is part of a Species Survival Plan program designed to maintain populations of endangered species, the WCS said.
Native to Southeast Asia, pygmy slow lorises are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Their numbers have declined rapidly due to habitat loss and poaching, according to the WCS.
Infants are born fully furred with their eyes open and grow to about one pound when they reach adulthood, the release noted.
(Courtesy of the Wildlife Conservation Society)
The baby pygmy can be seen with its mother — mothers carry their young on their stomachs and “park” them on branches while foraging — until it reaches around 6 months old, when it will become more active and independent.
The WCS said zoo staff will determine the infant’s sex during the first veterinary exam.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the tiny primate at the “World of Darkness” exhibit. Entry is included with general zoo admission, but guests are asked to refrain from flash photography to protect the slow loris’ sensitive eyes.