WILDLIFE WATCHES

Despite being such a gentle and peaceful animal, orangutans, rather paradoxically, find themselves critically Endangered across their range. The reasons for this are plentiful, but the huge proliferation of palm oil plantations, and the creation of agricultural mono-cultures where diverse forests once stood is chief among them. Conservationists and NGOs try to limit the devastating affects of deforestation and fragmentation, species displacement, and killing in various ways, one of which is the rehabilitation and reintroduction of orphaned orangutans. While this is an exceptionally difficult and expensive process, especially with such an intelligent and easily habituated species like the orangutan, there are many inspiring individuals and organisations committed to improving the welfare of the worst affected animals. One such group is OVAID, with whom we had the pleasure of working with closely. They build veterinary skill and capacity in both Indonesia and Malaysia so that orangutan rehabilitation centers can give their orphaned animals the very best chance of surviving after release. This collection of wildlife watches supports their wonderful work.