PHUKET, Thailand, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- A photo of pop star Rihanna posing with a loris in Thailand posted to Instagram has sparked controversy about protecting the endangered animals.
The photo was taken in Thailand at Phuket Fantasea, likely on Bangla Road, The Phucket News reported.
On Saturday, Kathu District Chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol called for an investigation into the condition of lorises on Bangla Road to determine whether people are offering tourists opportunities to pose with them for a fee.
"Please investigate and prosecute, as per your authority and duty," Veera told law enforcement officials.
Lorises are endangered and it is illegal to charge tourists money in return for photos with them in Thailand. In June, several people were arrested for doing so, however, police say it is to track down suspects.
