Hampshire-based charity, Orangutan Appeal UK, is pleased to announce Malaysia’s Plantation and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, has made the decision to shelve the ‘orangutan diplomacy’ initiative and focus instead on in-situ conservation efforts for these critically endangered animals.
The Minister’s reversal of the earlier proposal, which suggested ‘gifting’ orangutans to palm oil importing nations, has been met with widespread approval from the conservation community.
“We are heartened by the Minister’s decision to prioritize orangutan conservation within their natural habitats. This marks an important step towards safeguarding these incredible creatures and their ecosystems. In-situ conservation is vital for their survival, and this renewed focus offers hope that they will be protected in the wild where they belong,” said Adrienne Powell, Manager at Orangutan Appeal UK.
The government’s focus now lies in maintaining the integrity of orangutan habitats, a mission that aligns with Orangutan Appeal UK’s long-standing commitment to in-situ conservation.
Protecting wildlife within their natural environment is crucial for their survival, and this core belief drives the work supported by Orangutan Appeal UK at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Malaysian Borneo.
Orangutans play a critical role in maintaining the health of the rainforest by dispersing seeds and promoting biodiversity, ensuring the forest ecosystem remains intact.
However, ongoing threats such as deforestation and human-wildlife conflict have led to the classification of orangutans as critically endangered by the IUCN. Immediate and sustained action is necessary to prevent the loss of these magnificent creatures.
Orangutan Appeal UK remains committed to supporting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sabah Wildlife Department in their efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned and displaced orangutans back into the wild.
By safeguarding orangutans, we are also securing the future of the vital ecosystems that sustain life on this planet.
For more information about Orangutan Appeal UK’s work or to support their ongoing efforts to protect orangutans, please visit their website at www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk.
This article was distributed by Pressat, a UK-based press release distribution service.
