A retrospective review of mortality in lorises and pottos in North American zoos, 1980-2010

Abstract

Patterns of mortality in captive animals can reveal potentially problematic care practices or other risk factors that may negatively impact animal health and population sustainability. We reviewed death records (necropsy and/or histopathology reports) for 367 lorises and pottos born between 1980 and 2010 that were housed in 33 North American zoos and related facilities. Our sample included 20 Loris tardigradus nordicus, 72 L. t. tardigradus, 109 Nycticebus coucang, 133 N. pygmaeus, and 33 Perodicticus potto. In all 5 groups, neonates (animals < 30 d old) or geriatric animals accounted for the majority of death reports. Neonate deaths were most commonly attributed to stillbirth, trauma, and multi-systemic disease (septicemia or other infection). Animals that survived the first month of life were likely to live to adulthood or the geriatric stage. For all species, the most commonly cited causes of death were renal disease, multi-systemic illness, and trauma. Over 50% of all the animals studied displayed some renal pathology upon postmortem analysis. Across species, other organ systems in which > 20% of animals showed signs of disease included the cardiovascular and hemolymphatic, endocrine and metabolic, gastrointestinal, and immunologic systems. Our results indicate that reducing neonatal mortality is a major priority for sustaining these species in captivity, and common practices for managing groups during the perinatal period should be carefully scrutinized. Other areas in need of further investigation are environmental contributions to neoplastic and infectious disease, and dietary contributions to chronic degenerative conditions. KEY WORDS: Lorisid primate · Epidemiology · Zoo veterinary care · Infant mortality Resale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher Contribution to the Theme Section 'Conservation and ecology of slow lorises'

Extreme primates: Ecology and evolution of Asian lorises

“…Slow and slender lorises do not fare well in captivity; not only is mating success low, but fighting often ensues, contributing further to the belief that these animals must be utterly solitary. 42 Captive cages for these small-bodied animals are often miniscule 43 and, as noted earlier, it may be the restrictions of close proximity,for animals used to ranging over huge areas, that contributes to vicious head wounds and death among captive lorises. 42 In fact, all lorises are both social and often gregarious, sleeping in pairs or in groups of up to 8 animals (Box 3), and showing complex patterns of home range overlap.…”

“…42 Captive cages for these small-bodied animals are often miniscule 43 and, as noted earlier, it may be the restrictions of close proximity,for animals used to ranging over huge areas, that contributes to vicious head wounds and death among captive lorises. 42 In fact, all lorises are both social and often gregarious, sleeping in pairs or in groups of up to 8 animals (Box 3), and showing complex patterns of home range overlap. Gray slender lorises have proven to be among the most gregarious of the nocturnal primates, spending up to 38% of their time with another loris.…”

Pygmy slow loris Nycticebus pygmaeus—natural diet replication in captivity

“…It has been hypothesised that diets high in sugar and with minimal gouging opportunities promote dental problems and obesity (Streicher et al 2013). There is strong support that the captive diet is linked to health problems and diminished longevity in captive N. pygmaeus (Fuller et al 2014). Lorises are also known to exhibit poor reproductive success in captivity (Debyser 1995, Fitch-Snyder et al 2001.…”

“…The captive population suffers from various illnesses, many of which are believed to be linked to diet. Commonly reported health problems include obesity, kidney problems, bone disorders and dental diseases (Müller et al 1985, Rasmussen 1986, Ratajszczak 1998, Fitch-Snyder et al 2001, Fuller et al 2014. It has been hypothesised that diets high in sugar and with minimal gouging opportunities promote dental problems and obesity (Streicher et al 2013).…”

Is Tickling Torture? Assessing Welfare towards Slow Lorises (Nycticebus spp.) within Web 2.0 Videos

“…In the case of slow lorises, ecological studies consistently show that their natural diet predominantly consists of gum, nectar and insects, with fruit consumed rarely [Starr and Nekaris, 2013]. Research also shows that incorrect diet in captivity, particularly one high in sugar, is strongly linked to obesity and development of illnesses such as diabetes and dental problems [FitchSnyder and Schulze, 2001;Fuller et al, 2014]. In nearly half of the videos, slow lorises were obese, which can lead to sickness and a shortened life span [Fuller et al, 2013].…”