I took a trip down to the zoo in early March to check up on our lovely red-haired friends.

I saw Ah Meng’s memorial on the map and it showed a small icon of an Orangutan.

When I went there, this is what I saw –

and the small plaque read

SINGAPORE’S WELL-LOVED SUMATRAN ORANG UTAN
1971 : Donated to the Zoo when she was 11 years old
1982 to now:  Featured in many travel films and articles in newspapers and magazines
1992: Awarded Special Tourism Ambassador Award by Singapore Tourist Promotion Board
Greatest contribution to her species:
Raised 5 children, 3 grandchildren, fostered 2 orphaned orangutans.

Now – how does Ah Meng tie in with Dr Galdikas?

Dr Galdikas has been promoting the conservation of Orangutans and has been trying to get people to learn more about them and how we can protect them

Ah Meng was coined our ICON of Singapore (source: channelnewsasia.com)
but what do we Singaporeans really think?
If she were our icon – what are our attitudes as Singaporeans towards Orangutans then?

I think we all know Ah Meng and that she was in a way our icon – but beyond that, there was really not much done. The zoo has done some work regarding breeding orangutans and sending them to other countries.

As Singaporeans, we ought to step up our conservation efforts for the orangutans as they are endangered and will be gone in the next 10 years.

I did a survey asking people on what their thoughts were on the conservation of orangutans here in Singapore.

As we can see, most people agreed that there is a need for us to play a role in conservation of the orangutans.

One response included ‘regardless of whether ah meng is a national icon or not, it is still right to protect endangered species.’
which shows positive attitudes towards conservation of other endangered species.

Another question then asked if they were willing to take action and 80% of respondents agreed to taking action in helping/contributing to the conservation of Orangutans.

Many respondents who commented showed Ecologistic and Moralistic value types (Kellert)
as compared to Kellert value types in American Society which are more Humanistic and Moralistic. Dr Galdikas herself adopts these values as well.

‘People often forget that animals are part of our environment. We need to raise awareness at the very least so that more people are more conscious of their eco-unfriendly habits and ignorance.’

‘they’re part of nature, singapore icon or not. without them, the ecosystem would somehow be upset! and one more of god’s creatures would be extinct!’

‘They represent a vital part of their ecosystem’

Respecting nature and protecting the balance of nature were also the two most important reasons on why people cared for the environment. (53%)

Therefore we could make use of these values to engage Singaporeans in conservation efforts.