Aug 9, 2010
It is estimated that 100 orangutans are lost in Borneo each week. These endangered animals are killed by hunters protecting palm oil crops or captured by illegal pet traders. Starving and forced into daily contact with humans, they are often subject to machete attacks which leave the adult orangutans dead and their orphaned babies traumatised and injured.
Bridget Vercoe, WSPA New Zealand’s Country Manager, says Borneo’s Nyaru Menteng Sanctuary is a lifeline for these homeless, motherless and persecuted orangutans.
The sanctuary’s dedicated staff are dedicated to looking after the organutan’s welfare and helping them back to a life in the trees and self-sufficiency.
Ms Vercoe says the sanctuary desperately needs our help to survive.
“Go Bananas for Orangutans” gives you the chance to show your support for these beautiful creatures - and help keep them safe - by going a little bananas yourself.
“It’s easy all you have to do is think of a fun idea, like wearing a banana suit for a day or baking a bunch of banana muffins, and then get your friends and family to sponsor you,” she says.
World Animal Week is from 4 to 10 October, but, as Bridget says, supporters can Go Bananas at any time during the year.
Click here to Make a donation now