In this special edition of Zoocheck Podcast, Kathryn Sussman talks with Primatologist and Professor of Psychology at York University, Glendon College, Dr. Anne Russon. With over 30 years experience studying and working with wild and captive Orangutans in Indonesian Borneo, the one who is lovingly called Dr. Anne underscores how these great apes are so very similar to us, and how with their humour and deeply social nature, can indeed outsmart us any day of the week!
Listen as Dr. Anne explains the noble and profound work happening at the Nyaru Menteng Sanctuary in Borneo where Love Nature’s popular series Orangutan Jungle School is filmed: Dr. Anne outlines the intricate and lengthy process of rehabilitating these orphaned great apes for release back into the jungle.
Dr. Anne describes in-depth the threats facing this remarkable and fascinating species, including deforestation for palm oil plantations, poaching and capture for the illegal pet trade. With wild populations drastically declining, she outlines how crucial it is that we fight to protect them.
Next, Kathryn and Dr. Anne move into a discussion about great ape intelligence and sentience, and discuss why this species, among the other great ape species -including Gorillas, Chimps and Bonobos – do not belong in captivity. They are autonomous and able to make their own decisions, therefore they should be entitled to protection under the law. This would mean the Orangutans we currently have in captivity would be entitled to better care in a sanctuary style facility.
They discuss the specific case of the granting of personhood by an Argentinian judge to the 33 year-old Orangutan Sandra who was recently moved from the city zoo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Florida where she is thriving and now has access to other members of her species, among many other benefits.
Kathryn brings up the Orangutans she grew up seeing at the Toronto Zoo, and how startling it is that (despite being the largest zoo in Canada), the Orangutans are displayed in an entirely indoor pavilion and have no exposure to the natural world. Dr. Anne verifies this observation, clarifying that the Orangutans at this zoo have only had access to an indoor exhibit since the zoo opened over 45 years ago. For Puppe, a Sumatran orangutan who has been at the zoo since it first opened in 1974, this means that she has spent 45 out of her 52 years inside the building.
“They have no option of being outside. It’s now about 40 years that that zoo has been in operation since the mid 1970’s, so 40 years they haven’t seen the outside… I think it’s terribly sad.” – Dr. Anne Russon
Kathryn and Dr. Anne conclude their discussion with a focus on what could be done to improve the conditions for these Orangutans, as well as addressing what needs to be done here in Canada and abroad from an animal welfare point of view in order to have the best protections in place for them. Dr. Anne gives her advice for how the average citizen can help too.
Be part of the change:
- Donate to NGOs working specifically with Orangutans to protect them, such as the rehab facilities in Borneo, including the Nyaru Mentang Sanctuary, where Orangutan Jungle School is filmed.
- Adopt an Orangutan from one of these good facilities where possible.
- Consider donating to larger reputable wildlife organisations.
- Participate in discussions and share your knowledge to educate your network on the critical endangerment of Orangutans.
- Tell your Member of Parliament (MP) that you would like to see legislation that grants personhood to Orangutans and the other Great Ape species.
- Help us spread the word by sharing this podcast in your network!
Watch Love Nature’s Orangutan Jungle School premiering this Sunday, Dec. 1 at 8pm ET/PT. Take advantage of the eight-week free preview event running from Nov. 4 to Jan. 5 across Canada!
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