Meet the world’s only venomous primate capable of killing a human

In 2009, a video of a woman gently petting what appeared to be a little-known but irresistibly cute primate went viral. As she stroked the animal, it responded by raising its arms in a comical way, almost as if it were being tickled, revealing a squirrel-like body and large, pleading eyes.

The heartwarming scene and the animal’s irresistible appearance were enough to put it on the wish list of thousands of people around the world. That animal was the slow loris, a remarkable primate whose charming looks conceal a deadly defense capable of killing a person.

The world’s only venomous primate

Scientifically known as Nycticebus coucang, the slow loris is a small primate native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia.

Adults measure between about 7 and 16 inches long and can weigh up to roughly 4.4 pounds. Despite its sweet appearance and seemingly defenseless nature, it holds a unique distinction as the world’s only venomous primate.

The slow loris has specialized glands on the inside of its elbows that produce a toxic secretion. When mixed with its saliva, the venom can trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, and can be fatal.

The venom is not used to hunt prey. Instead, it serves as a defensive weapon during territorial disputes with other slow lorises. Before biting an opponent, the animal coats its teeth with the toxic secretion.

In humans, bites from slow lorises have already been linked to multiple deaths and numerous cases requiring hospitalization.

The threat of the black market

After gaining widespread popularity online, the slow loris quickly became one of the world’s most sought-after exotic pets. Many prospective owners, however, had no idea the animal possessed a potentially deadly bite.

Fatalities and serious hospitalizations caused by slow loris bites are not unheard of. In 2021, a 37-year-old woman in Japan reportedly died after being bitten by her pet slow loris.

Because of this risk, traffickers commonly remove the animals’ teeth before selling them into captivity. The cruel practice severely compromises the health and survival of a wild species that is neither domesticated nor suited to life as a household pet.

Like many other wild animals that have become internet sensations, the slow loris has suffered a surge in poaching fueled by online trends. As a result, this one-of-a-kind primate is now at risk of extinction.

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