Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Orangutans are still in danger
So it's been a long time since I posted, with relatively optimistic and triumphant news that major UK supermarkets were being responsible. So are orangutans safer now?
I've been neglecting the news updates - a combination of personal circumstances and an appalling internet connection (now fixed thanks to the removal of a nest full of dead wasps in our BT socket ...) But this is a blog - it should be regular(ish), relevant, and have something to say, so I intend to post weekly, starting now, referring to recent news and issues. Orangutans need our help more than ever.
Last week the Malaysia Star reported on the overcrowding in rehabilitation centres, read about it here: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2006/11/21/lifefocus/15964652&sec=lifefocus. Because of fires burning across the island, and because of palm oil plantations, orangutans are dying, and being forced out of their homes. That's appalling enough, but what's worse is that the overcrowding in the rehabilitation centres means that for orangutans rescued from these situtations, CITES and GRASP are reluctantly recommending euthanasia.
I've praised and encouraged both organisations in the past. CITES have been responsible for the protected status and of ramin hardwood, helping to preserve habitat, and GRASP is the United Nations orgnisation set up specifically to address the endangered great apes. But their respected international status means that there is every danger that they will be listened to. What will start with the blind, the infirm, and the orangutans with viruses, is in danger of becoming every displaced orangutan without a home.
I'll continue to publicise what palm oil is produced unsustainably and the companies responsible, but right now the rehab centers and charities really need help!
I've been neglecting the news updates - a combination of personal circumstances and an appalling internet connection (now fixed thanks to the removal of a nest full of dead wasps in our BT socket ...) But this is a blog - it should be regular(ish), relevant, and have something to say, so I intend to post weekly, starting now, referring to recent news and issues. Orangutans need our help more than ever.
Last week the Malaysia Star reported on the overcrowding in rehabilitation centres, read about it here: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2006/11/21/lifefocus/15964652&sec=lifefocus. Because of fires burning across the island, and because of palm oil plantations, orangutans are dying, and being forced out of their homes. That's appalling enough, but what's worse is that the overcrowding in the rehabilitation centres means that for orangutans rescued from these situtations, CITES and GRASP are reluctantly recommending euthanasia.
I've praised and encouraged both organisations in the past. CITES have been responsible for the protected status and of ramin hardwood, helping to preserve habitat, and GRASP is the United Nations orgnisation set up specifically to address the endangered great apes. But their respected international status means that there is every danger that they will be listened to. What will start with the blind, the infirm, and the orangutans with viruses, is in danger of becoming every displaced orangutan without a home.
I'll continue to publicise what palm oil is produced unsustainably and the companies responsible, but right now the rehab centers and charities really need help!
# posted by Neil @ 9:33 pm 
