You will all recall the devastating forest fires which were ripping through Borneo last summer. Started due to the ill-conceived and poorly executed “slash and burn” technique farmers on the island use to raze their land, it was not only the flames which were endangering the people and wildlife of Borneo, but also the smoke. If you need to remind yourself of the devastation this caused, you can read our blog about the incident here.
Whilst the fires have long now been extinguished, the aftermath of the blaze is still being felt. A large amount of wildlife was displaced, and the Orangutans who call the island home were some of the worst affected. This is why the BOS Foundation needs your help. Many young Orangutans were left orphaned by the fires and as a result, BOS have had to rescue an additional 6 infant Orangutans over the last few months, bringing the total number in the baby group to 22. More arrivals are expected and the current baby house is insufficient to their needs. The BOS Foundation are looking to build a bigger Baby House to accommodate all of their babies and provide them with round the clock care in a hygienic, suitable environment.
The plan is all in place and all that is needed now to begin work is the funding. The team have designed both outdoor forest schools and indoor play areas, so even when it is raining (quite a common occurrence in the rainforest!) the babies can still learn and play. There will be two separate buildings: one for healthy babies who have completed their quarantine, and one for new inductees who need to be screened before they can join the rest of the youngsters. The team at BOS are not just looking to build a house, they are trying to build a home in which the baby Orangutans will have the best chance to learn and grow.
If you feel like you can help out and donate to this incredibly worthwhile cause, then you can click through to the BOS website here. The Orangutans at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Rescue Centre need your help, so please give anything you can!
