“mi ritrovai per una selva oscura che la diritta via era smarrita”

And as Dante begins his journey in Divine Comedy, so does the journey of the loris chosen in this re-introduction program here in Vietnam.

 I am currently involved in a re-introduction program at EPRC (Endangered Primate Rescue Center) in Cuc Phuong National Park where are 2 species of slow loris and we have 3 lorises for a group release ( 2 Nycticebus pygmaeus and 1 N. bengalensis ). All three have been deemed physically fit for this purpose and are ready to come back home.

New Home

In the first phase of this programme, we concentrated on locating an ideal location for the release, being careful to select an area abundant in suitable trees to aide the movement of the lorises and enough food ( fruits & gum) for them to survive on. The release site must also be far enough away from any roads and potential predators.

Training for Loris

Along with this, we attach radio collars to enable us to monitor and follow their movements during the night and also giving us the information needed to train future champions of the cause. Further research into their food habits and natural characteristics will help us stimulate the captive lorises and encourage their natural behavior to prepare them for the release and alleviate the stress of this very delicate undertaking.

Keep calm and get ready

Over the next few days, I will be focusing on monitoring the lorises nocturnal behavior in their cages. Collect all the relevant data to record their progress,  getting a clearer picture of when the time for the wild. This is a great chance for these wonderful creatures to taste freedom so richly deserved. Fingers crossed that the program is a success! ELEONORA FAVILLI

NEXT UPDATE : Release into the wild.