Sunda slow loris found in industrial estate near Tuas released after 2 months
This was the second Sunda slow loris rescued by ACRES so far in 2026
In May, a young Sunda slow loris was discovered in an industrial building near Tuas, surprising the workers inside. The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) rescued the creature, identifying it as the endangered Sunda slow loris, native to Singapore. ACRES chief executive Kalaivanan Balakrishnan revealed that this was the second Sunda slow loris rescued by the organization in 2026, the first being found in an HDB corridor in Sin Ming in January.
The species' wild population is confined to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, according to Balakrishnan, who guessed that the primate might have accidentally entered the industrial estate, possibly in a lorry or as an abandoned illegal pet.
Upon discovery, the slow loris was only mildly dehydrated. ACRES wildlife rescue and rehabilitation manager Karina Lim noted that it was rare to encounter wild slow lorises due to their shy and elusive nature. However, habitat loss may cause animals to venture out in search of green spaces to inhabit.
The nocturnal primate required a customised rehabilitation plan, which involved monitoring it nightly, feeding it a diet of insects, bird eggs, and tree sap, and providing fluids to address signs of stress. Once the staff confirmed the slow loris' ability to climb, forage, and display a healthy aversion to humans, it was deemed suitable for release.
The primate was released in a forested area with fellow wild slow lorises on August 3, 2026. ACRES aims to improve wildlife welfare as Singapore continues to clear forested areas for developments.
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