People of the Forest

There are two types of Orangutan, the Sumatran and the Borneo Orangutan. The Sumatran Orangutan is critically endangered and their extinction in the wild is likely within the next 10 years. The Borneo Orangutan is listed as endangered and is also set to disappear from our planet in the near future. These beautiful people of the forest have been directly affected by logging, palm oil plantations, hunting for the pet trade and poaching for meat.

Gabby who lives at Melbourne Zoo.

I used to avoid the primate section of the zoo. I would always gravitate towards the birds or the African animals. I never really stopped to think why. It wasn’t that I didn’t like them, I had a great respect for them, but now that I look back on it, I think it was the fact that primates are so much like people that kept me away. Orangutans in particular are so closely related to humans, we actually share 97% of DNA.

Then one day, I wandered into the Orangutan enclosure at Melbourne Zoo and sat down next to the glass. The Orangutans are able to sit on the other side of the glass and interact with you here. A lovely lady called Kiani came and sat opposite me on the other side of the glass. My interaction with her that day left me overwhelmed and in tears and so my love for them began. I now spend hours in the primate enclosures and heartily appreciate everything about the minds and hearts of Orangutans, Gorillas, Mandrills, Spider Monkeys, Gibbons and so on. How I could’ve ever overlooked them now astounds me! One day soon, I’d love to go over and see them in the wild….whilst I still can.

The first time I met Kiani through the glass.

 For more information about Orangutans and their plight please visit www.orangutan.org.au
And please visit Zoos Victorias Don’t Palm Us Off initiative www.zoo.org.au/PalmOil

They are pushing for mandatory palm oil labelling on food products so consumers can make a kinder choice for the people of the forest.

Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.