On Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, in anticipation of International Slow Loris Day on September 13th, the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) and the Ujung Kulon National Park Authority (BTNUK) have come together to release eight endangered Javan slow lorises (Nycticebus javanicus) back into their natural habitat.
The release, a collaborative effort between the two agencies and Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), a partner of International Animal Rescue (IAR), showcases the importance of multi-agency cooperation in fighting against the illegal wildlife trade and preserving Indonesia’s unique biodiversity. This event also coincides with the National Nature Conservation Day (HKAN) 2025 celebrations.
BTNUK Head Ardi Andono stated, “This initiative is the result of equal collaboration between BTNUK and BBKSDA West Java in conserving protected wildlife. Multi-agency collaboration is crucial to ensure the transition of Javan slow lorises from rehabilitation centers to their natural habitat runs smoothly and effectively.”
BBKSDA West Java Head Agus Arianto added, “We hope all parties will contribute to wildlife conservation, especially protected species, by not hunting, trading, or keeping them illegally.”
The eight lorises, consisting of five females (Banowati, Ipeh, Anoda, Tao-tao, Trevor) and three males (Bano, Pointer, Agam), were rescued from the illegal pet trade, community surrenders, and accidents such as electrocution. Each underwent extensive rehabilitation at YIARI before being deemed fit for release.
Although released, some of the lorises still bear the physical scars of their past:
– Ipeh, who survived an electric shock, has minor burns.
– Agam lost a finger but retains excellent mobility.
– Anoda has partial vision loss from a cloudy eye but remains agile and capable in the wild.
After thorough health and behavioral evaluations, all eight lorises displayed the instinctual foraging and climbing behaviors necessary for their survival. They were transported from YIARI’s rehabilitation center in Bogor to specially designed bamboo-and-net enclosures in BTNUK’s intensive protection zone, where they will spend a few days adjusting before their full release into the wild.
Drh. Nur Purba Priambada, Animal Management Manager at YIARI, explained, “We don’t just release them, we ensure each individual has the best chance of survival. Habituation gives them time to recover from transport and adapt to their new environment before being released.”
The release sites were carefully selected based on food availability, low wild loris populations, and distance from human settlements to maximize the lorises’ chances of survival.
Silverius Oscar Unggul, Chairperson of YIARI, emphasized, “Release is not the end of conservation but a part of a long journey that involves many parties. Collaboration between government, conservation organizations, and the public is key.”
This effort demonstrates a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting Indonesia’s wildlife. It also serves as a timely reminder, leading up to International Slow Loris Day, that safeguarding slow lorises requires collective action from government agencies, NGOs, and the public.
To learn more about our work with slow lorises, please visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/animals/slow-loris.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.