Spectacular photos show attempt to save the Javan slow loris

These photographs tell an unusual rescue story: the release of Javan slow lorises into Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java, Indonesia, last month.

Photojournalist Garry Lotulung joined a team from International Animal Rescue’s Indonesian branch, the non-profit Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), as they released Javan slow lorises and carried the animals on their backs (pictured below).

The Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is critically endangeredas a result of the destruction of their rainforest habitat and their capture for sale as pets or for body parts in traditional medicine. These animals often have their teeth removed to prevent them from biting, meaning they cannot feed in the wild. But if the rescued animals can take care of themselves, YIARI releases them into the wild.

Slow lorises look cute, but they’re the only ones in the world. single venomous primate. When they feel threatened, they raise their arms above their heads and put a secretion from the glands on their arms into their mouths. The secretion forms poison when combined with saliva.

This two-step system is unique to slow lorises. While the nature of the venom is not fully understood, their bites are painful, slow to heal, and can cause allergic reactions. The poison, spread on their fur, can also protect animals from parasites such as ticks and fleas.

These animals were given vitamins (main image) and then placed in an enclosure for monitoring (pictured above). “They are monitored for several days to two weeks to ensure they can survive in the wild before being permanently released,” Lotulung says.