European Association Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) has recently published the 1st edition of the ‘Best Practice Guidelines Nycticebus (slow loris) species’. This publication brings together knowledge and experience from captive care facilities like zoos and rescue centers, and covers current knowledge of the genus of Nycticebus in the wild, and developments in understanding of captive care.
Recognizing the recent taxonomic split, and significant differences to other Nycticebus species, Nycticebus pygmaeus (pygmy slow loris) also has its own dedicated chapter.
This edition also includes a dedicated section (from page 112) to slow loris in rescue centers, medical triage, and rehabilitation and release considerations. There is also an extensive ethogram of Javan slow loris behaviour in the appendices SARCs may find useful and adaptable for their own behavioural observation programs. Whilst the authors acknowledge much of the knowledge is from captive care facilities in European climates and conditions, they hope these guidelines can also support welfare in natural rangeland countries.
Whilst SARCs often work in resource limited environments, best practice guidelines allow for centers to develop towards best practice for captive husbandry, as well as the ability to find experts who may be able to assist with specialist knowledge and advice to improve welfare and care.
These guidelines, and additional resources that may be useful to SARCs, can be found in SARCCs dedicated resource bibliography.