Today, August 19, is the first ever World Orangutan Day, set to create awareness and drum up support for the conservation of the endangered ape.
From 1992-2000, the population of the Sumatran orangutan declined by more than 50% and only an estimated 7,000 animals are left in the wild. Its relative, the Bornean orangutan population fell nearly 43 % in the past decade and estimates place their population at about 45,000 animals. Since the last population estimates were done, deforestation rates have continued to climb which means the actual populations could be well below these.
To celebrate the orangutan, you can make a donation, spread the word, and/or upload a picture to the Facebook page to show your support. Link -via Arbroath
(Image credit: Ken Hardi)