Loris Lemur: Features of Keeping a Loris Lemur at Home

In recent years, lemurs have gained immense popularity among exotic pet enthusiasts. When bringing home this amusing creature with its unusual appearance, many face challenges on how to care for it properly. How can you create conditions that make a lemur feel comfortable and safe in an apartment?

Who are Loris Lemurs?

Loris lemurs come from the distant Asian forests. For a long time, they were classified as sloths due to their slow movements, but in 1766, they were reclassified as prosimians. There are several types of lorises:

• Slender loris
• Slow loris
• Dwarf loris

These types are further divided into subspecies, differing in size, color, and temperament. Depending on the species, a loris’ body can range from 20 to 40 cm in length and weigh between 0.3 and 1.6 kg. Lorises live in trees, are nocturnal, very timid, slow, and cautious. Typically, lorises live in pairs or groups, although solitary ones can sometimes be found.

You can purchase a loris from pet stores or breeders. It is crucial that the lemur has all necessary documents: a veterinary passport, a pedigree, and a health certificate. To choose a healthy animal and avoid future health issues, pay close attention to its appearance. The animal’s eyes should be bright, with no discharge. Teeth should be intact and white. It’s also important to examine the animal’s coat by parting the fur; it should be clean and shiny. Lorises are not hand-tamed animals, so they will never calmly sit in your hands to enjoy being petted. A normal and healthy reaction when picked up is to try to escape and hiss. If a loris sits quietly in your hands and is lethargic, this could be a cause for concern about its health.

Keeping a Loris Lemur at Home

Owners will need to put in a lot of effort to create a comfortable and, most importantly, safe environment for a loris. Since they are nocturnal animals and only active at night, it’s best to place their habitat in a separate room to avoid hearing the noises they make. It’s crucial to choose the right cage or enclosure for a loris, which should be spacious, vertical, and equipped with shelves and branches for climbing. There should also be a hideout, like a hammock or hanging house.

The room where the cage is placed must be free of drafts, as this could make the animal ill or even lead to its death. Lorises are very curious and can easily open the door of their habitat, so it’s important to secure it with a good lock that the loris cannot open. It’s also essential to keep houseplants away from the enclosure, as they might be eaten, which could be fatal to the animal. Never leave the loris unattended in a room, as this can be dangerous for its life. Other pets may harm it, or it could chew on electrical wires, become tangled, or be electrocuted.

Care Tips

You should clean the cage daily, as lorises mark their territory, which can create an unpleasant odor in the apartment. Feed the loris once a day when it’s awake. Lorises eat plant-based foods, including vegetables and fruits, but their diet must also include insects. Special food for lorises can be purchased at pet stores. Occasionally, you can add boiled chicken meat and quail eggs to their diet. Dairy products are also important, such as baby porridge and cottage cheese. It’s important to note that lorises are prone to obesity and diabetes, so their diet should be well-balanced. Feed them small portions in intervals, with the first meal when the loris wakes up, and leave the rest for the night. Always provide fresh food.

Lorises are fascinating animals with a unique appearance. It’s easy to purchase one, but before getting this pet, consider whether you’re ready for the nocturnal lifestyle of your companion. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to play with them like you would with a cat or dog, or even hold them. This animal will bring joy mainly through its appearance and presence in your home.