ORANGUTAN CRISIS COALITION (OCC) LAUNCHED TO UNIFY INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS AT CONSERVATION AND CARE

With wild orangutans and their rainforest homes disappearing faster than ever, the Orangutan Conservancy (OC) recently launched the Orangutan Crisis Coalition (OCC), a project that will bring together conservation organizations, zoos, universities, corporations, and field researchers to work on issues related to orangutan protection.

“The situation facing orangutans in Sumatra and Borneo is critical,” said OC president Norm Rosen, “and the time to act is now. We believe the Orangutan Crisis Coalition will be the most effective way to engage the most people and organizations around the world in this effort.”

The OCC is designed to serve as a link between various organizations and agencies working on aspects of orangutan care or conservation, but with little overlap or mutual support. The OCC, for instance, can link North American zoos directly with field projects in Sumatra or Borneo, just as it can engage major corporations to support conservation efforts.

The OCC will also seek to raise funds to identify suitable release sites for the hundreds of orangutans being held in rehabilitation centers in Borneo and Sumatra.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) recently issued a letter in support of the OCC, stating that “the situation facing wild orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra is dire but not irreversible, and AZA institutions and the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) are keenly aware that they have a role to play in this fight.” The OCC is also committed to working closely with individual AZA institutions that care for orangutans and the Orangutan SSP.

One aspect of the OCC is to give organizations access to materials and resources that promote orangutan conservation and responsible consumer choices. These tools — which are included on a CD available from the OC free of charge — include:

Posters - The OCC has produced two posters that deliver clear key messages concerning orangutans and their endagered status. One features an adult orangutan while the other features an infant.

Stickers - The OCC has produced two stickers that also promote orangutan conservation. One features an infant and the other features an adult orangutan.

Shopping Guide - The OCC has produced a shopping guide that allows consumers to make “orangutan-friendly” choices by purchasing items that do not use destructive practices or harmful materials.

Brochure - The OCC has produced a brochure that provides basic information regarding orangutan conservation and what readers can do to help save the animals and their forests.

Web Page - The OCC has produced a basic website page that can be easily uploaded onto a host site and features information on orangutans, their conservation status, and other important facts.

To obtain a copy of the OCC media resource CD, please contact click to email.