Source: Tanya Howard
Many zoos have played a direct role in the conservation of orangutans and their habitats by supporting research, providing funding, translocation and other conservation projects associated with wild orangutans. One of the pioneers was Frankfurt Zoological Society, that focused on the rehabilitation of Sumatran orangutans in 1970, and more recently, translocation of Sumatran orangutans to forests where the species has ceased to exist. Conservation breeding program, such as the one in the Singapore zoo, also seeks to prevent orangutans from extinction.
Other indirect roles are mostly aimed at educating zoo visitors about orangutans and their needs. By providing information about the orangutans near their exhibitions, it presents a strong message of conservation that can help people to become interested in orangutan conservation. An example would be The Melbourne Zoo’s “Don’t Palm Us Off” program. It features a 60-seconds video that shows the connections between consumer behavior, palm oil, and orangutan habitats. The video was displayed on a large screen in the orangutan exhibit on a constant loop throughout the entire year long campaign. Click on the video below to watch it!
Source: Singapore Things To Do
Importantly, there is also no substitute for a face-to-face encounter with a live orangutan unclose. Being about the only place where laymen can observe and learn about first hand about orangutans, the close proximity and interactions with these primates can increase concern and interest about them. Well-loved and famous internationally, Ah Meng, the star of The Singapore Zoological Garden’s Breakfast with An Orangutan’, contributed immensely in spreading awareness on anti-poaching, anti-deforestation and orangutan conservation issues. Conversely, opinions may be formed on the series of issues that will impinge on the link between consumers and orangutan conservation in the future.
Where funds permit, the potential difference that zoos can make in orangutan conservation can be greatly enhanced. According to research, the addition of more interactive features to the orangutan enclosure heightens the likelihood of zoo visitors in providing support for its conservation.