A CAMPAIGN aimed at protecting one of the world’s most iconic species is swinging into action this week.

With Bornean and Sumatran orangutans being pushed perilously close to extinction, Chester Zoo’s third annual Go Orange campaign is aiming to create awareness of their plight and raise funds to directly support orangutan conservation projects in the wild.

All of the money raised during the month-long campaign – which kicks off on October 1 – will go to crucial projects that work to protect the forests and the surrounding ecosystems in Borneo and Sumatra, ensuring a brighter future for both species.

More than 80% of forests and the surrounding ecosystems across the islands have been destroyed in the last 30 years, due largely to illegal logging, the wholesale conversion of forests to non-sustainable palm oil plantations and hunting.

Scott Wilson, head of field programmes at Chester Zoo, said: “Estimates suggest that there are less than 40,000 Bornean orangutans and less than 6,500 Sumatran orangutans currently left in the wild, with both species being pushed to the very edge of extinction. 

“Their plight is a serious and ever-degrading situation that needs global attention - through the Go Orange campaign people can take make an impact in fun and simple ways.”

Over the past couple of years, the money raised by the campaign has helped conservationists purchase 15 specialist camera traps and conduct new research into how wild orangutans are changing their habits as a result of widespread deforestation.

In 2014, the money raised helped secure the planting of more than 2,000 trees for orangutans in Sumatra, which are a vital source of food and shelter for the species.

Scott added: “It’s very important to recognise that the campaign is also about raising awareness, particularly surrounding the consequences of unsustainable palm oil production.

“We want to get schools, businesses, individuals and our visitors involved, with an aim to educate consumers about their shopping habits and how buying products containing sustainably sourced palm oil can make a huge difference when conserving wildlife.”

Chester Zoo has a longstanding field support programme working with orangutan conservationists in Borneo and has supported field expeditions in 2011 and 2012, which saw zoo staff travel to assist project partner HUTAN, in Borneo.

Wirral Globe:
The expedition saw staff work closely with the sanctuary team to construct bridges for orangutans and launch a research boat, vital in conducting day-to-day monitoring activities.

Through its Realm of the Red Ape Conservation Programme, Chester Zoo is helping field workers in Borneo to restore forests in which Bornean orangutans live. The zoo also backs the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Project in Sumatra, which  provides education workshops in schools close to areas where deforestation occurs, aiming to teach children about the importance of preserving the biodiversity where they live.

Alongside the Go Orange campaign the zoo has now launched its new Palm Oil Challenge which looks at raising awareness of the devastating effects that unsustainable palm oil production has on wildlife – specifically orangutans – and aims to educate individuals and businesses on how easy it can be to switch to sustainable palm oil products.

To find out how you can get involved in Chester Zoo’s Go Orange campaign and for more about how you can help, visit chesterzoo.org/goorange or to make a donation now text ORNG15 £5 to 70070.


Go Orange facts

  • £2... could buy a notebook to collect field data on orangutans
  • £5…could pay for one day’s petrol for the boat journey from the village to the orangutan research site
  • £10… could be used to plant and nurture a new tree
  • £100…could pay the weekly salary of a wildlife warden
  • £600…could pay for one-hour helicopter patrol over the wildlife sanctuary