Photo: WENN.com
Rihanna has reportedly helped Thai authorities track down illegal animal traders after sharing a photo on Instagram posing with a slow loris, an endangered species.
Two men, believed to be poachers, were apprehended in Thailand after Rihanna's photograph drew the attention of Thailand authorities, reports The Guardian. Rihanna's photo with the small, poisonous mammal was reportedly taken in a nightclub in Phuket, Thailand, and the international attention of the image led to increased activity from Thai authorities.
"It's like a cat-and-mouse game. But this time it's bigger because a celebrity like Rihanna posted the picture, and there were more than 200,000 'likes' from around the world," said Phuket district chief, Weera Kerdsirimongkon. "Phuket authorities were alerted to the picture [of Rihanna], and last night police arrested the two individuals who brought out the loris as a photo opportunity for tourists."
See the Instagram image below
The Slow loris species came to international attention through cute YouTube videos from the far east, where they are popular as pets. However, they are often cruelly treated by owners due to their venomous bites, which make them unsuitable as household animals. To prevent them injuring owners, their teeth are forcibly removed, causing distress, pain and often death in the animal.
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