Ep 6. Slow Loris

Nick Baker's Weird Creatures is a nature documentary series hosted by Nick Baker, a naturalist and wildlife expert who travels all over the world in search of strange and extraordinary creatures. In season 3, episode 6, titled "Slow Loris", Nick takes us on a journey through the jungles of Southeast Asia to learn more about one of the cutest and most mysterious primates on the planet: the slow loris.

The slow loris is a small, nocturnal primate that is native to the forests of Southeast Asia. It is perhaps best known for its big, round eyes, which give it an adorable, almost cartoonish appearance. But while the slow loris looks cuddly and innocent, it is actually surrounded by a cloud of dark mythology. In some parts of the world, the loris is seen as a sacred animal, possessing magical properties. But in other places, it is reviled as a cursed creature, associated with death and darkness.

Nick Baker sets out to separate the fact from the fiction, and to learn more about what makes these strange creatures so unique. He meets up with a team of primatologists who are studying slow lorises in the wild. They are accompanied by a group of local guides, who help them navigate the dense jungle and keep an eye out for any signs of danger.

As they venture deeper into the forest, Nick and his companions begin to unravel the mysteries of the slow loris. They learn that the loris has a number of strange physical adaptations that make it perfectly suited for life in the trees. For example, its big, round eyes help it to see in the dark, while its long, powerful arms allow it to grasp onto nearby branches and climb with ease.

Nick also discovers that the slow loris possesses a number of remarkable behavioral traits. For example, the loris has a unique way of marking its territory. Instead of urinating on trees like other primates, the loris uses a gland in its elbow to secrete a sticky, foul-smelling substance. This substance is then smeared onto branches and leaves, creating a potent scent that warns potential rivals to stay away.

But as Nick and his companions learn more about the slow loris, they also come face-to-face with some of the challenges that these animals face in the wild. Slow lorises are often captured and sold as pets, despite being protected by law in many countries. They are also hunted for their flesh and body parts, which are used in traditional medicine.

Throughout the episode, Nick Baker highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect the slow loris and other endangered animals. He encourages viewers to learn more about these creatures and to support organizations that work to preserve their habitats and combat the illegal wildlife trade.

In the end, Nick's journey to learn more about the slow loris reveals a complex and fascinating creature, one that is both adorable and enigmatic. Through his expert narration and stunning footage of these creatures in the wild, Nick Baker helps us to better understand the natural world around us and the importance of protecting it for future generations.