Saving the orangutan
Their forest home is being destroyed; their young sold into the pet trade. Considered ‘pests’, adults are hunted and killed. Against this grim backdrop, the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation’s rehabilitation centre is a beacon of hope for this endangered ape.
Why are orangutans in such danger?
Illegal logging and fires set to clear the land for palm oil production are destroying the rainforest habitat of the tree-dwelling orangutan.
Homeless, the apes migrate in search of food. If seen near palm oil crops, they will be shot or beaten by plantation workers. The reception at villages is equally dangerous.
Fearing their crops will be eaten, local people kill wandering adult orangutans. Their young, frequently maimed in the attacks, are sold into the cruelty of the illegal pet trade.
What can be done to protect them?
© Steve Leonard for BOS Foundation
The BOS Foundation is:
Providing sanctuary. The rehabilitation centre, Nyaru Menteng, is currently home to approximately 600 apes. Here, committed staff teach rescued orangutans to survive independently in the wild. Orphans are shown how to find food, and taught other skills usually learned from their mothers.
Securing a safe habitat. Those orangutans mentally and physically ready for independence currently live on river islands where they are monitored prior to their release. Contact with humans is limited as this is the last stepping stone before they are returned to the wild.
Involving local communities. As well as providing many jobs locally, the Foundation delivers educational programs to nearby villages. These promote cooperation and help prevent attacks on orangutans.
Working with BOS to save orangutans
It is estimated that just 35,000 orangutans remain in Borneo, and the BOS Foundation is the only organization actively rescuing, rehabilitating and relocating the species. But financing the specialist care of hundreds of abused orangutans is a constant challenge and ongoing financial aid is needed to ensure this work continues.
The suffering of the orangutans has moved WSPA to support this amazing work, developing the Foundation’s fundraising skills over the next two years to build a sustainable future for the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary.
If the plight of these wonderful creatures has moved you too, please donate today.
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