For December, our featured species is the Orangutan, and our chosen organization is OVAID (Orangutan Veterinary AID).
Formed in 2014 and based out of Borneo, Sumatra, and Cornwall, UK, ORANGUTAN VETERINARY AID (OVAID) is a zero-salary, volunteer-run charity dedicated to providing veterinary equipment, medicines, and practical veterinary presence and assistance to orangutan rescue groups and centers in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Through its actions, the charity works to improve resources for rescued orangutan and their welfare.
In a world of increasing knowledge base, the charity actively assists veterinarians working in the field of orangutan conservation through up-skilling, training programs, and the OVAID Bronwyn Watson Scholarship.
The charity also considers it vital to spread awareness of the negative effects of deforestation to the orangutan, countless other wildlife species, and human populations.
​Beautiful limited-edition glass pieces by Kathleen Sheard, featuring the silhouette of a Leatherback. 1/3 of the purchase price will benefit the Pacuare Reserve and the Leatherback Sea Turtles they protect. We can ship anywhere.
About the Orangutan
Orangutan are the largest arboreal mammal, and the only arboreal ape, meaning that the majority of their time is spent in the trees of the peat forests of Borneo and Sumatra. Traditionally, hunting has reduced orangutan numbers, and whilst they have some predators (sun bear and clouded leopard) today their biggest predator is still Man. Logging and deforestation for agriculture play their part and hunting is still significant but by far the biggest threat to orangutan habitat is the ever-increasing demand for land for palm oil. The button below links to a short YouTube clip, where you can explore the lifesaving work of OVAID.
