The Slow Loris Is Fighting Back Against the Illegal Pet Trade

There are some animals that instantly melt hearts online. 

The slow loris, with its enormous eyes, tiny hands and teddy-bear appearance, is one of them.

But behind many of those “cute” social media videos lies a far darker reality, illegal wildlife trafficking, cruelty and the destruction of endangered species populations.

But now Now there's finally some encouraging news.

Ahead of Endangered Species Day, Indonesian conservation organisation Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), working in partnership with International Animal Rescue, has released a powerful new report showing determined conservation work really can make a difference.

The report, Out of the Shadows: Exposing and Opposing Indonesia’s Illegal Slow Loris Trade, reveals how more than a decade of rescue work, education campaigns, law enforcement action and public awareness efforts have helped dramatically reduce the illegal trade in slow lorises across Indonesia.

A “Cute” Animal With A Serious Problem

Slow lorises are among the most heavily trafficked primates in Southeast Asia. Their popularity exploded online after viral videos portrayed them as adorable exotic pets. Sadly, many viewers had no idea these animals are protected species or that the pet trade causes immense suffering.

Wild slow lorises are often captured illegally, transported in terrible conditions and sold through markets or social media groups. In many cases, traders even remove their teeth to stop them biting owners, leaving the animals unable to survive properly in the wild.

According to the report, researchers from YIARI identified activity in at least 469 Facebook groups linked to slow loris trading between 2012 and 2022. More than 5,000 online sale posts were recorded, with at least 4,100 slow lorises being offered for sale online.

Physical wildlife markets also remained a major problem, with surveys recording over 1,300 slow lorises being sold openly.

The Good News? Things Are Changing

What makes this report so important is that it does not simply highlight the problem, it shows that progress is possible.

Over the years, conservationists, law enforcement agencies and policymakers worked together to crack down on wildlife crime. The results have been significant:

111 wildlife crime enforcement cases linked to slow lorises were recorded

1,271 slow lorises were confiscated

Around 78% of cases resulted in arrests

More than half led to successful convictions

Over 1,300 rescued slow lorises were cared for through YIARI’s rehabilitation network

Perhaps even more encouraging is the change in public attitudes.

Back in 2015, around 90% of Instagram content featuring slow lorises presented them as pets or entertainment. By 2022, that kind of content had sharply declined, while educational and conservation-focused posts increased dramatically.

That shift matters because wildlife trafficking often survives on ignorance. The more people understand the damage caused by the exotic pet trade, the less demand there is for these animals.

Conservation Is About People Too

One of the strongest messages in the report is that wildlife conservation is not just about rescuing animals — it is about changing behaviour.

Dr Karmele Llano Sánchez explained that rescue work alone cannot solve the issue if the root causes of wildlife crime are ignored.

Instead, the success seen in Indonesia came from multiple groups working together: charities, journalists, enforcement agencies, government departments and public awareness campaigns all played a role.

Gavin Bruce said the findings prove illegal wildlife trading isn't something most people actually support, many simply did not understand the consequences before.

That's an important reminder in today’s social media age. Viral animal content may look harmless, but it can unintentionally fuel demand for endangered species.

A Rare Piece Of Environmental Good News

Stories about endangered wildlife can often feel overwhelming, but this is one of those rare examples where long-term conservation efforts are clearly working.

It shows that education, awareness and cooperation genuinely can reduce wildlife crime.

For environmental campaigners and animal lovers alike, that is something worth celebrating.

The Out of the Shadows report and companion book are available to download free online:

Indonesian version https://yiari.or.id/publikasi/keluar-dari-bayang-bayang/

English version https://yiari.or.id/publikasi/out-of-the-shadows-exposing-and-opposing-indonesias-illegal-slow-loris-trade/

To learn more about protecting slow lorises and supporting conservation efforts, visit International Animal Rescue’s Slow Loris campaign https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/animals/slow-loris

Don’t Step On A Bee Day. Why Britain’s Buzziest Little Workers Deserve A Bit More Respect

Every now and then, a novelty awareness day pops up that sounds slightly silly at first glance, and then you realise there is actually a very important message behind it. 

That is certainly true of Don't Step on a Bee Day.

Yes, the title may raise a smile, but the idea behind it is serious. 

Bees are among the most important creatures on the planet, and without them our gardens, countryside, food production and ecosystems would look very different indeed.

Quite simply, bees help keep the world blooming.

Why Bees Matter So Much

Bees are vital pollinators. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they help plants reproduce. Many of the fruits, vegetables and crops we eat depend heavily on pollination.

Without bees, supermarket shelves would suddenly become a lot less colourful. Apples, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and even coffee all rely, to varying degrees, on pollinators.

In the UK, bees are also essential for supporting wildflowers, hedgerows and natural habitats that countless other species depend upon.

Yet despite their importance, bee populations have faced increasing pressures over recent years due to habitat loss, pesticides, climate change and changing land use.

That is why awareness days like this matter.

The Problem With Panic

One of the biggest issues bees face is human fear.

Many people automatically panic when a bee buzzes nearby, waving their arms around wildly or trying to swat it away. In reality, most bees are not aggressive at all. They are busy gathering food and generally want to avoid trouble as much as we do.

Unlike wasps, bees are usually far more interested in flowers than fizzy drinks or sandwiches.

In fact, if a bee lands near you, the best thing to do is stay calm and let it continue on its way. Most of the time, it will lose interest within seconds.

And of course, literally not stepping on bees is also a very good idea.

Small Changes That Can Help Bees

The good news is that helping bees does not require enormous effort. Small changes can make a genuine difference.

Here are a few bee-friendly ideas:

Plant pollinator-friendly flowers such as lavender, foxgloves and wildflowers

Avoid excessive pesticide use in gardens

Leave parts of your garden slightly wild

Put out shallow water dishes during hot weather

Support local honey producers and bee-friendly farms

Allow dandelions and clover to grow naturally where possible

Even a window box filled with bee-friendly plants can become a valuable feeding stop.

The Bumblebee Bonus

Britain’s bumblebees are particularly fascinating. Their fuzzy appearance, loud buzzing and rather clumsy flying style make them oddly lovable little creatures.

There is also something reassuringly British about seeing a bumblebee slowly drifting around a summer garden while everyone debates whether it is warm enough for a barbecue yet.

A Day Worth Buzzing About

So yes, Don't Step on a Bee Day may sound light-hearted, but it carries an important reminder.

Bees are not just background noise to summer. They are essential workers quietly helping nature function every single day.

The least we can do is watch where we are putting our feet on July 10th and every other day, too!

https://beegood.co.uk

World Penguin Day: Why These Beautiful, Brilliant Birds Need Our Help

Every year on 25 April, World Penguin Day gives us the perfect excuse to celebrate one of nature’s most charming and recognisable creatures. 

Many Penguins may look like they are dressed for a formal dinner, but behind the waddles and adorable looks lies a serious environmental story.

For That’s Green, World Penguin Day is not just about cute photos and novelty socks featuring emperor penguins. 

It is about understanding why these remarkable birds matter and why protecting them matters even more.

Penguins are some of the most specialised birds on Earth. Found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere, they have evolved to thrive in some of the harshest environments imaginable, from the icy extremes of Antarctica to the rocky coasts of South Africa, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Species such as the Emperor Penguin and the Adélie Penguin depend heavily on stable sea ice for breeding and feeding. Others, like the African Penguin, face pressure from warming oceans, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

Climate change is one of the biggest threats penguins face. Rising global temperatures are melting Antarctic ice, disrupting breeding colonies, and altering the delicate marine food chains penguins rely on. If krill populations decline because of warming seas and changing ice patterns, entire penguin colonies can struggle to survive.

Plastic pollution is another major issue. Marine debris can entangle penguins or be mistaken for food. Oil spills also remain a serious risk, especially for coastal species. Even tourism, when poorly managed, can disturb nesting sites and fragile habitats.

The World Wildlife Fund and groups such as BirdLife International continue to work on penguin conservation, habitat protection, and marine preservation. But conservation cannot rely on charities alone.

Small actions matter.

Choosing sustainable seafood helps protect marine ecosystems. Reducing plastic use keeps oceans cleaner. Supporting reputable wildlife charities helps fund rescue and conservation work. Even simply learning more and raising awareness can make a difference.

World Penguin Day also reminds us that wildlife conservation is often connected to much bigger global choices. Cleaner energy, lower emissions, and stronger protection for our oceans all help species far beyond our own back gardens.

Penguins may live thousands of miles away from most of us in the UK, but their future is tied to the same planet we all share.

So yes, enjoy the penguin documentaries, the penguin memes, and perhaps even the penguin-themed mug. But also take a moment to think about what these extraordinary birds are telling us.

When penguins struggle, it is often a warning that the wider planet is struggling too.

And that is something we should all be paying attention to.

https://support.wwf.org.uk/adopt-a-penguin

#WorldPenguinDay 

Why the Tesla, Inc. Powerwall Is Changing the Way We Think About Home Energy

For years, solar panels have been seen as the poster child of greener living.

But there has always been one obvious problem: what happens when the sun goes down?

That's where the Tesla, Inc. Powerwall steps in.

It's not a futuristic gadget for tech enthusiasts with too much disposable income. It's a practical home battery designed to store electricity generated by solar panels, or even cheaper off-peak electricity from the grid,. so you can use it later when you actually need it.

In simple terms, it helps your home become smarter, greener and a lot less dependent on the grid.

Tesla describes Powerwall as a compact home battery that stores energy generated by solar or from the grid, allowing homeowners to use that power day and night, including during outages. It also offers customisable power modes for backup protection and electricity bill savings.

That matters more than ever in the UK, where energy prices remain unpredictable and more households are looking for ways to cut long-term costs rather than simply complain about the latest bill over a cup of tea.

Powerwall can also provide backup during power cuts. Unlike noisy generators that sound like someone has started a lawnmower indoors, it switches automatically to stored energy when the grid goes down. 

Tesla says severe weather preparation features can even automatically charge the battery when outages are forecast.

The current system offers 13.5 kWh of energy capacity, enough to make a meaningful difference for many households, especially when paired with solar panels.

Of course, it's not cheap. Installation costs can be significant, and it works best when properly matched to your home’s energy use. It is not a magic money-printing box attached to your wall.

But for households serious about reducing carbon emissions, improving energy resilience and making better use of renewable power, it is a strong option worth exploring.

The real appeal of Powerwall is not just the sleek design or the famous badge on the front. It is the idea of energy independence.

Use less. Waste less. Panic less when the lights flicker.

That feels very green indeed.

Because the future of sustainability is not just generating clean power, it's being smart enough to keep it for when you need it.

https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/powerwall

SocialBox.Biz Champions “Reuse Before IT Disposal” for Earth Day 2026

In celebration of Earth Day 2026, SocialBox.Biz has announced a strategic call to London businesses to rethink their computer hardware life-cycle strategies.

This is the core message of the "Call SocialBox.Biz First" initiative. 

By contacting SocialBox.Biz first, companies ensure their functional IT equipment goes towards more high-impact reuse with SocialBoxBiz.

The initiative highlights a shift from traditional computer recycling to a "reuse-first" model with SocialBoxBiz, emphasising the dual benefits of environmental sustainability and social equity such as older adults supported by Age UKs in London.

A recently published case study by Age UK Islington (view here: https://shorturl.at/iAKxI) showcases the tangible impact of this collaboration.

 By diverting functional IT hardware from recycling scrap heaps, SocialBox.Biz provides repurposed laptops and tablets to disadvantaged individuals, including older adults who rely on computer access for essential services and social connection.

"With the growing concern over the environmental impact of decommissioned technology, this partnership serves as a timely call to action," a spokesperson for SocialBox.Biz told That's Green.

"By choosing to donate and reuse before they recycle, London companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while helping provide computer access to those who can not afford computer hardware or software in our local communities."

Key highlights of the Earth Day 2026 campaign include:

Environmental Protection: Promoting reuse as a superior alternative to recycling, saving an average of 316kg of CO2 per laptop.

Social Empowerment: Providing technology to disadvantaged groups and older adults.

Corporate Responsibility: Helping London firms meet impact targets through secure, data-wiped hardware reuse and donations.

As Earth Day 2026 approaches, SocialBox.Biz are calling on business leaders to pledge their old, functional IT equipment to this cause.To learn more about the IT reuse program or to arrange a collection, please visit https://www.socialbox.biz/.

That's Business: Why Industrial Heat Pumps Are Becoming Big Business

That's Business: Why Industrial Heat Pumps Are Becoming Big Business: For years, industrial heating has been one of the biggest hidden contributors to carbon emissions.  Behind factories, paper mills, chemical ...

Scientists Forecast ‘Godzilla’ El Niño Threat in 2026

Forest Fires in Indonesia Risk Triggering Global Impacts on Climate and Biodiversity.

Forests across Indonesia face increased fire risk this year as climate scientists forecast a strong El Niño event in 2026, with some discussions referring to it as a “Super” or “Godzilla” El Niño.

This phenomenon is expected to be intensified by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), potentially leading to a longer and drier dry season and significantly reduced rainfall across many parts of Indonesia. 

These two phenomena are projected to occur simultaneously starting in April 2026, raising serious concerns about increasing risks of forest and land fires with impacts that could extend beyond local landscapes to global climate systems.

The combination of these climate patterns causes rain clouds to concentrate over the Pacific Ocean while Indonesia experiences significant drought conditions. This situation is expected to persist throughout the 2026 dry season, from April to October.

In Ketapang, West Kalimantan, the conditions have been unseasonally dry since February 2026. Forest fires have already occurred, including fires that reached the YIARI restoration area within the Pematang Gadung Village Forest. This landscape has been undergoing restoration efforts to recover after severe fires in 2015 and 2017. 

While El Niño is naturally occurring, the extreme dry conditions are exacerbated by climate change, forest loss and land use changes. The current situation serves as a serious warning that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat, but something already being experienced directly on the ground.

Dr. Karmele Llano Sanchez, CEO of YIARI, partner of International Animal Rescue, explained that for tropical forest landscapes in Kalimantan, the combination of El Niño, land-use change, forest degradation, and the broader climate crisis creates an extremely dangerous situation. 

She told That's Green: “Forests that have been cleared, converted, or affected by extractive activities become far more vulnerable to fire. The risk multiplies in areas that have lost natural forest cover and in peatland landscapes that are drying out. When fire emerges in such areas, the impact goes beyond the loss of vegetation—it accelerates global warming and has the potential to create even more extreme crises.”

“This is exactly what occurred during February and March in the Pematang Gadung Village Forest. As surrounding areas became dry and fuel loads increased, some land was burned for agricultural and plantation purposes. 

These fires then spread rapidly and expanded. We are seeing warning signs long before the peak of the dry season arrives, and this is deeply concerning. Conditions are already far drier than usual, even though the dry season has not yet reached its peak. When rain stops for longer periods, vegetation dries out, water sources shrink, and degraded landscapes become highly flammable,” she added.

Thanks to quick action on the ground, the fires have been prevented from spreading further. A joint firefighting team consisting of local communities, government authorities, and YIARI staff, worked continuously under extreme heat and weather conditions. 

With approximately 45 hectares affected, these efforts successfully prevented the fire from spreading into larger forest areas with high conservation value.

Local communities served as the frontline in early detection and initial firefighting, while government support through coordination and resources, combined with YIARI’s field readiness, strengthened the overall response. Without this multi-stakeholder collaboration, the fires could have spread exponentially, threatening more habitats, increasing carbon emissions, and amplifying risks to public health and safety.

According to Karmele, the threat of forest and land fires is not only about the loss of trees or damaged landscapes. The impacts extend widely across biodiversity, climate systems, and human health. “When forests burn, we lose habitats and push wildlife closer to extinction. 

Orangutans, sun bears, clouded leopards, and many other species that depend on tropical forests lose their living space, food sources, and protection. At the same time, smoke from fires threatens public health, particularly for children, the elderly, and vulnerable communities who must breathe hazardous air for days or even weeks.”

International Animal Rescue’s CEO, Gavin Bruce, said: “We have experienced these extreme El Niño events in the past and witnessed the devastation to nature and the wellbeing of the local people. We know what could be coming and we must act fast to do all we can to mitigate the threat. With the right equipment and training, and by empowering the forest-edge communities, we can scale up the prevention efforts and do all we can to limit the destruction.

Past experience shows how severe the risks can become if such threats are not addressed early. The 2015–2016 El Niño event, one of the strongest on record, triggered massive forest fires across several regions of the world, including Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, fires during that period caused a severe haze crisis, becoming both an environmental disaster and a major public health emergency. In 2015 alone, YIARI rescued no fewer than 44 orangutans affected by the large-scale forest and land fires.

Karmele emphasized that prevention remains the most critical line of defence. “In extreme conditions, not every fire can be completely prevented. However, with proper preparation, early monitoring, strong community involvement, adequate equipment, and rapid response in high-risk areas, we can slow the spread of fires, protect high-conservation-value forests, and reduce broader damage. Time is a crucial factor. Every day without preparedness increases the risk.”

YIARI is currently strengthening a range of mitigation measures on the ground, including increased fire preparedness, patrols, monitoring of high-risk hotspots, and close collaboration with communities as the first line of defence across forest landscapes. 

Community-based initiatives such as The Power of Mama also play an important role in protecting nature, highlighting how women at the grassroots level have a vital role in safeguarding their territories from fire and environmental destruction. This approach is not only essential for protecting wildlife, but also for safeguarding public health, livelihoods, and the safety of communities living alongside fire-prone landscapes.

Experts agree that we can no longer treat these annual forest fires in Indonesia as routine seasonal disasters. Every hectare of forest burned represents a loss of biodiversity, an increase in carbon emissions, worsening air quality, and growing pressure on both people and wildlife.

The warning is now here. Prepare now or risk losing millions of hectares to fire this 2026 El Niño.

You can find out more and help us prepare and prevent a catastrophic fire situation here: https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/appeal/fire-crisis-fund