HELP US !
STOP EXPLOITATION OF ORANGUTAN IN THAILAND

Orangutan is a highly endangered wild specie, only live in Kalimantan and Sumatera (Indonesia). The population in the wild is estimated much less than 30.000. Moreover, the population of Sumatran Orangutan is predicted to be less than 3000-5000. Orangutan is protected by Indonesian law and international convention of CITES-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This means that the commercial trade of orangutan is forbidden.

The habitat of orangutan is fragmented and decimated by the illegal logging and fire. The population is further jeopardised by illegal hunting for commercial exploitation. In 2003 ProFauna Indonesia studied that at least 1000 orang utans are caught from Kalimantan to trade. Most of the orangutans were babies and juveniles, to catch baby orangutans, the hunters have to kill the mothers! Young orang utans are hard cash.

International Trade of Orangutan

Orangutans originating from Indonesia not only traded domestically but they are also smuggled abroad. In 2003 ProFauna Indonesia succeeded to uncover the mafia of international orangutan trade in Jakarta. The big boss of the orangutan trader unfortunately was only subjected to 5 months imprisonment.  Nevertheless, according to Indonesian law, someone trading in protected wild animals shall be imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine up to a maximum 100 millions rupiahs (£5,600).

Indonesian orangutans are being smuggled to many countries such as Taiwan, Thailand, Europe and Middle East. Orangutans are commercially exploited as money spinners, especially in circus or animal show.

One of the most harrowing plights are, the suffering of orangutans found in the “Safari World” in Thailand.  At one point, there are 115 orangutans in captivity. They are forced to train the painful boxing for entertainment. This exploitation is incredibly inhumane and cruel.  However, when ProFauna Indonesia together with the Forestry Department of Indonesia and the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation investigated the Safari World, Thailand on 30 July 2004, only 69 orang utans can be accounted for.  Where has the rest gone missing?

The Safari World stated that 41 individuals of orangutan died of pneumonia and the carcasses were burnt, which was contrary to their claim of successful breeding.  The statement from the Safari World proved to be false.  On 13 Aug 2004 the Thai police finally discovered 36 orangutans being hidden away by “Safari World” in inhumane cramped cages and 7 other orangutans subsequently were found elsewhere!   

On 19 August 2004 ProFauna members demonstrated at Thailand Embassy in Indonesia to demand the return of Indonesian orangutans. At that time, the ambassador of Thailand Atehara Seriputra had a dialogue with two ProFauna representatives namely Hardi Baktiantoro (International affairs coordinator) and Dona Melani. During the dialogue, the ambassador promised to send back the orangutans after having completed DNA test to ensure the orangutans’ origin.

One month after ProFauna protest demonstration, the result of the DNA test had not been produced by the Thai authority and the orangutans are still inhumanely caged in the Safari World Thailand. Most of the orang utans have been enduring trauma and suffering for a long time. The extreme stress and severe depression have now caused the psychological damage.

WHAT YOU CAN DO?

Send a protest letter to Thailand Government through the Thailand Embassy in Jakarta Indonesia. Your letter can also be sent to the Thailand embassy of your country.  Please do not forget to send the copy of your letter to ProFauna Indonesia because we are gathering a petition and protest letters to bring them directly to the Thai Government.

The address of the Thailand Embassy in Jakarta:

Thai Embassy in Indonesia
Jalan Imam Bonjol 74, Jakarta Pusat - Indonesia
Tel. (021) 3904225, 3904055
Fax. (021) 3107469
Email: thaijkt@indo.net.id

 

Sample letter:

Madam. Atehara Seriputra
Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy
Jalan Imam Bonjol 74, Jakarta Pusat
Indonesia

Your Excellency,

I am extremely concerned about your government’s lack of serious effort in returning the orangutans still in captivity to date at the “Safari World” Thailand, to their natural habitats in Indonesia.  The inhumane commercial exploitation, especially for used in boxing entertainment by “Safari World” in Thailand is unacceptable.

Being a signatory and part of the ratification of CITES convention, Thailand has the responsibility and obligation to demonstrate the protection of this highly endangered wild specie poached from wild.  

Most of the orangutans are suffering from extreme stress and trauma, which now have affected them psychologically. Many have since died.  This inhumane suffering must end now. 

The international community is aware of this problem and is waiting for your government to take action.  Please stop orangutans boxing show and return the orangutans back immediately to the orang-utan rehabilitation centres in Indonesia.

Yours sincerely

Your signature and name
 

This campaign collaborate with :
International Primate Protection League (IPPL)
and
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation

 For further information please contact: international@profauna.or.id