Smuggled orangutans rescued

Smuggled orangutans rescued

The Straits Times: 30 June 2009

KUALA LUMPUR – MALAYSIAN wildlife authorities have rescued three baby orangutans believed to have been smuggled into the country, in raids on a zoo and an ostrich breeder, a report said on Tuesday.

The three young apes were among a smuggled group of five, and a search is under way for the remaining two, Department of Wildlife and National Parks deputy chief Misliah Mohamad Basir told the Star newspaper.

One of the orangutans was discovered in a raid on the ostrich breeder in central Selangor state, who then revealed that the other two were being kept at the Taiping Zoo in Malaysia’s north.

‘All orangutans at the zoo are microchipped but these specimens were without microchips, hence we are able to ascertain that they are of dubious origin,’ Mr Misliah reportedly said.

Local laws require a special permit to keep orangutans – native to Malaysia’s eastern states on Borneo island – which are under threat of extinction because of poaching and habitat destruction.

The report said that DNA samples of the rescued apes were taken to determine their origin. They are being housed at a shelter and are said to be healthy.

The government department and zoo officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Wildlife officials have said that trafficking of wildlife has hit alarming levels in Malaysia.

Experts say there are about 50,000 to 60,000 orangutans left in the wild, 80 percent of them in neighbouring Indonesia and the rest in Malaysian’s eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak. — AFP

 

How Can You Help

There are lots of ways you can support orangutans and help ensure the survival of this precious ape.

Adopt an Orangutan

Adopt an Orangutan

Orangutans are endangered and at risk of extinction. Habitat destruction results in hundreds of orphaned orangutans, who rely on our care every year. You can help by adopting one. Their dedicated ‘nannies’ teach them everything they need to know for when it’s time to release them back to the wild. You can follow their progress through Forest School.

Adopt Now
Make a Donation

Make a Donation

Please help the Orangutans in their struggle for survival. Your donation is important and goes directly to BOS Indonesia. By donating, you are helping bring this noble yet endangered species back from the brink of extinction and on a path to freedom - from rescue to rehabilitation and release.

Donate Now
Visit Our Shop

Visit Our Shop

The perfect gift for any occasion! Choose from our selection of instant gifts that directly support our orangutans. You can buy a wheelbarrow, provide food for an orangutan for two months or lots more. You will receive a certificate, personalised with the name of your choice - perfect gift for you or a friend.

Shop Now