 Even within their countries of origin , slow lorises are very popular exotic pets . Indonesian species are mostly sold as pets , despite myths about their magical and curative properties . They are seen as a " living toy " for children by local people or are bought out of pity by Western tourists or expatriates . Neither local nor foreign buyers usually know anything about these primates , their endangered status , or that the trade is illegal . During the late 2000s , Sunda slow lorises were regularly sold throughout the Medan bird market in North Sumatra . According to 59 monthly surveys and interviews with local traders , nearly a thousand locally sourced slow lorises exchanged hands in the market . During the surveys , between 15 and 45 slow lorises were seen around the market . 
