Singapore Zoo takes Orang Utan Conservation to the Singapore Flyer

As part of Singapore Zoo’s ongoing efforts in highlighting the plight faced by orang utans, keepers were on hand during three weekends in June to interact with visitors at the Singapore Flyer and talk to them about threats faced by orang utans which include habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. Graphic interpretive panels on orang utans and the destruction of their rainforest habitats were placed at the main coach drop-off foyer from 7 to 23 June.

These panels targeted both locals and tourists and allowed the conservation message to reach a larger audience, especially those who may not be aware of such issues.

A total of 6 interactive sessions were conducted during weekends from 7 to 22 June, and many interested groups, especially children, got to learn about the orang utan’s habitats, the other animals living there and also the consequences of deforestation on the whole ecosystem. To make the sessions more meaningful, keepers had with them various artifacts like dipterocarp tree seeds, a tiger skin, replica of an orang utan’s hand and foot, various invertebrates and also preserved specimens of other mammals, including a pangolin.

The underlying message that was communicated to visitors was that orang utan habitats are being decimated because of plantations and other developments. While humans are the main cause of orang utan deaths, we are also the ones that can put a stop to such destruction.

The Singapore Zoo will continue with its public outreach programmes into the heartlands and into the shopping and business areas to further increase awareness on orang utan conservation.

Click here to read the interpretive panels

Read about Singapore Zoo’s contribution to Nyaru Menteng Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre here