Taipei Zoo Welcomes New Blood: Czech Endangered Pygmy Slow Loris "Chö" Takes on Breeding Responsibilities

Taipei City Zoo has welcomed a new member to its pygmy slow loris family. A female pygmy slow loris named "Chö" arrived safely from the Ostrava Zoo in the Czech Republic after a 24-hour journey. She is currently residing in the zoo's quarantine center and is reported to be in good health. After completing a one-month quarantine, she will be paired with a male loris to form a new family, with her public debut scheduled based on her adaptation progress.

The zoo participates in numerous international conservation organizations and their endangered species conservation plans. Through regular expert group meetings, the zoo identifies suitable conservation institutions for endangered species. The pygmy slow loris is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List and is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Originally found in the rainforests of Vietnam, Laos, and eastern Cambodia, the pygmy slow loris population has declined due to poaching, illegal trade, and habitat loss. Under the coordination of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria's (EAZA) ex-situ programs for pygmy slow lorises, "Chö" was transferred from the Ostrava Zoo to Taiwan.

Taipei Zoo currently cares for three male pygmy slow lorises, with a father-and-son pair on display and the third male kept separately. "Chö" will be introduced to the lone male after her quarantine period. The zoo noted that adult pygmy slow lorises are approximately 15 to 25 cm long, weigh about 500 grams, and have distinctive features such as brown fur, a white belly, a short tail, and large eyes. They are arboreal, slow-moving, and have strong grasping abilities, allowing them to spend extended periods in trees.

Pygmy slow lorises are omnivores and, in the wild, acquire toxic secretions from their elbows by consuming toxic insects. This toxicity is used as a defense mechanism but is absent in captivity due to differences in diet. The gestation period is about 190 days, with one to two offspring per litter, and weaning occurs after approximately four months. Female pygmy slow lorises reach maturity at around nine months.

As nocturnal animals, pygmy slow lorises often sleep curled up in tree holes during the day and are more active in warmer weather. In colder conditions, they spend up to several hours sleeping to conserve energy. The zoo's nocturnal exhibit area is designed to simulate nighttime conditions, allowing visitors to observe these animals during their active hours.