The El Paso Zoo welcomes its 21st SSP animal - the Slow Pygmy Loris

Look for our new pygmy slow loris in the Asia Forest exhibit.

What's a slow pygmy loris? And what does SSP mean?

SSP stands for Species Survival Plan to Help Preserve Wildlife. Today, zoos are playing an increasing role in wildlife conservation by acting as an "ark" for species in jeopardy. Biologists estimate that thousands of plant and animal species will become extinct during the next 25 to 50 years. Captive breeding programs may be their only hope for survival. To strengthen and coordinate captive programs in North America, the Species Survival Plan (SSP) was developed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) in 1981. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. Beyond this, SSPs participate in a variety of other cooperative conservation activities such as research, public education, reintroduction and field projects.

The Pygmy Loris - Just the Facts
The pygmy loris can have a firm grip on a branch for over 24 hours!

Pygmy Loris, Nycticebus pygmaeus

Food: Insects, fruits, bird eggs and chicks, geckos and small tree dwelling mammals.

Factoids: The loris does not leap through the trees like other primates, but instead uses its feet like clamps to move from branch to branch through the trees. These nocturnal mammals are difficult to see in the wild, but if one looks with a flashlight it is possible to see their reflective eye shine in the trees. Threats to their future include destruction of forests and people hunting them for food or to make them into pets. This species is managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP). Range: Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.