Rescued Bengal slow loris returned to Barkal forest
The Forest Department has released a rescued Bengal slow loris, locally known as "lajjabati", into the Barkal reserved forest in Rangamati's Barkal upazila, following its recovery and assessment by officials.
The animal was released at approximately 2pm on Thursday, 21 May 2026, after receiving food and initial treatment, according to the Chattogram Hill Tracts South Forest Division.
Forest officials stated that Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Ward 7 under Bhushanchhara union in Barkal upazila, discovered the rare Bengal slow loris near his residence and subsequently captured it.
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Upon receiving information from local sources, forest staff from the Barkal Forest Revenue and Examination Outpost conducted a rescue operation on Thursday morning and secured the animal.
The Forest Department reported that, following initial treatment, the Bengal slow loris appeared healthy and about 3.5 kg, and entered the Barkal reserved forest.
Forest officials estimated the animal to be approximately 3 to 3.5 years old.
Omar Faruk Swadhin, station officer of the Barkal Forest Revenue and Examination Outpost under the Chattogram Hill Tracts South Forest Division, said, "Acting on information from local sources, we rescued the Bengal slow loris from Bhushanchhara union in Barkal upazila this morning.
"Following the rescue, the animal received food and primary treatment. As it was found to be in good health, it was released into the reserved forest later that afternoon."
