The Orangutan Project, a conservation organization established in 1998 to protect the critically endangered primate species, has issued an urgent appeal to help build a “baby house” for an influx of orphaned orangutans in need of immediate care.
Over the past six months, The Orangutan Project has experienced a surge in the number of orphaned orangutans rescued from deforested habitats, illegal wildlife trade, and other threats, the organization said in a press statement. These vulnerable infants require specialized care and attention, including round-the-clock support from dedicated babysitters, to ensure their survival and well-being, it said.
“Orphaned orangutans face unique challenges that require specialized attention and care,” said Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project. “With the loss of their mothers, these vulnerable infants require nurturing, companionship, and guidance crucial for their development.”
The construction of a purpose-built Baby House at the organization’s Bornean Orangutan Rescue Alliance Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre in Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, would represent a significant milestone in the efforts to safeguard the future of these critically endangered great apes, he said. “By providing specialized care to orphaned orangutans during their critical early years, we are laying the foundation for their successful rehabilitation and eventual release back into their natural habitat,” Cocks explained.
The purpose-built baby house will serve as a sanctuary, providing a nurturing environment where these vulnerable infants will receive the care they need during their formative years, the press statement said.
Designed and built with the welfare of infant orangutans in mind, the baby house will feature state-of-the-art amenities, including an activity centre to encourage natural behaviour, nesting pods and poles to practise nest-building skills and climbing, and a care room for medical check-ups, ensuring the highest standards of care and comfort for its tiny inhabitants.
The baby house will be staffed by a team of highly trained and compassionate babysitters who will provide personalized care to each infant, fostering socialization, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. These dedicated caregivers will work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment that mimics the natural familial bonds orangutans would experience in the wild, the statement said.
To make the vision a reality, The Orangutan Project is appealing to the generosity of individuals who share a passion for wildlife conservation. “We are facing an unprecedented crisis as we strive to provide care for the growing number of orphaned orangutans,” Cocks said. “We invite donations from supporters who recognize the importance of providing orphaned orangutans with the care and support they need to thrive.”
The founder said donations of all sizes are welcome and every dollar will make a difference in the lives of the orphaned apes, helping to ensure they receive the specialized care and attention they deserve. Donors who contribute gifts of $1,000 or more will have their names enshrined on an honour board that will be displayed prominently in the baby house. To donate and learn more about how you can help this project, visit theorangutanproject.org/baby-house.
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