Animal Matters Issue No: 03 • Spring 2015
Feature: Over to you: our amazing supporters Visiting Borneo’s orang-utans Take action for dairy cows More bears saved from bear baiting
Page 8 Help stop cruel dog culling
Cover image: a dog in Hancheng, China, that you’ve helped protect from rabies and cruel culls carried out in its name. Image left: Our vets treated this puppy at one of our mobile vet clinics in the Philippines.
Contents 3 4 6 7 8
It’s all thanks to you Welcome to your spring issue of Animal Matters, the magazine that keeps you up to date with all the animals you are helping by supporting World Animal Protection.
News round-up How you are making a difference Galax the bear saved thanks to you Protecting animals on your holiday Urgent appeal: STOP the brutal culling of innocent dogs 10 Cleaning up our oceans for animals 11 Full Fact Milk: Knowing how your milk is produced 12 Searching for Borneo’s orang-utans 14 New lives for Romania’s bears 15 Protect what matters to you 16 Meet rescued bears this autumn
I am truly proud of what together, we achieved for animals last year. You helped us protect more than 190,000 dogs from violent culling, provide medical care to over 12,000 working donkeys and horses in Palestine and care for hundreds of thousands of animals affected by disasters – to name just a few.
More bears rescued
And thanks to you, 2015 has got off to an amazing start. Another five bears have been saved from the cruel blood ‘sport’ bear baiting, and are now living peacefully at the World Animal Protection-funded sanctuary in Pakistan. Turn to page 6 to read their stories.
Help protect dogs from violent culls
But as well as the successes, so many animals are still suffering terrible cruelty. Every year, around the world, millions of dogs are violently killed in a misguided attempt to stop the spread of rabies. We urgently need your help to protect them – and prove to governments that vaccinating dogs is the only effective way to stop this fatal disease. Please join our Fight Against Cruelty today – find out how on page 8.
Visiting Borneo’s orang-utans
Some of you may remember our work to help protect Borneo’s orphaned and injured orang-utans. In his exciting 2 part column on page 12, James Sawyer, our Director of Disaster Management shares his journey into the rainforest in search of the orang-utans that you’ve helped rehabilitate back into the wild. I do hope that you enjoy reading about all the animals that you are protecting, and as ever, give my heartfelt thanks to you making all of this possible. With very best wishes,
Contact us World Animal Protection would love to hear what you think of this issue of Animal Matters. Please contact us with your views at:
Post
World Animal Protection 222 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8HB
news@worldanimalprotection.org.uk
Call
0800 316 9966 Editor: Katriona Meheran Produced by: Brightsource Ltd Animal Matters is published by the UK office of World Animal Protection. Company Limited by Guarantee in England and Wales, Registration No. 4029540. Registered Charity 1081849. All images are World Animal Protection unless otherwise stated.
Suzi Morris Director, World Animal Protection UK 2
Animal Matters • Issue 03
Update
News round-up Your response to our appeals
Image: BRC
Benny rescued thanks to you
Please help save dogs from cruel culling All over the world, dogs are being brutally and violently killed, to clear the streets of strays and because of the fear of rabies. Culling is often a terrifying and
painful way for a dog to die – but you could help put a stop to it. Please join our Fight Against Cruelty today – turn to page 8 to find out how.
Last issue, we asked you to help save the bears still being exploited in the cruel blood ‘sport’ bear baiting. Thank you so much for your overwhelming response – because of you, Benny (pictured above) has been saved! Together you raised over £180,000 and helped bring another five bears to the sanctuary in Pakistan. Turn to page 6 to read their stories.
Calling on Columbia to protect river dolphins Thousands of rare and iconic boto dolphins, or pink river dolphins as they are also known, are cruelly and illegally slaughtered for fish bait in the Amazon every year. Fishermen use rotten dolphin meat to attract and catch large numbers of piracatinga catfish which are then sold to consumers in Colombia, Brazil and other Latin American countries. The dolphins are often captured in nets then tied up, while they are still alive, to trees submerged in the water. Then fishermen come back at nightfall to hack them apart for bait to attract the catfish. This terrible cruelty is illegal. With your help, we’ve convinced the Brazilian government to outlaw the sale of piracatinga catfish over the next five years because of its links with the illegal killing of boto dolphins. But now it’s time for the Columbian government to do the same. You can help by signing our petition asking them to follow in Brazil’s footsteps to protect these beautiful dolphins from cruel and needless slaughter.
Take action for dolphins Please ask the Columbian government to stop the cruel killing of boto dolphins. Sign the petition at worldanimalprotection.org.uk/dolphins Animal Matters • Issue 03
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How you are making a difference The dedication of our supporters never fails to amaze us. Whether you donate to our appeals, join our campaigns or fundraise, every last bit you do is helping to build a better world for animals. Guess the fact How many dogs did you help vaccinate against rabies in China last year, protecting them from being culled in cruel and painful ways?
a) 10,000 b) 40,000 c) 90,000 Be sure to look out for the answer in your summer issue of Animal Matters!
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Ways to get involved Did you know that there are hundreds of great ways to raise money for animals? This issue, we’re shining the spotlight on running events. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, you could help protect animals around the world by taking part in a race for World Animal Protection.
Take part in a run for animals
We have places for the ever popular Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in London in October – a stunning run through four of London’s beautiful royal parks. Or if you live in the north, why not take your place on the famous Great North Run in Newcastle? For something a little different, you could raise money by walking, jogging or running the Ultra Challenge Series 2015. With distances ranging from 25-100km there’s plenty of choice no matter what your fitness levels are.
Cheer on your fellow supporters
And in April, we’ve got an inspirational team of runners lacing up for the Virgin Money London Marathon. So if you’re in the area, why not come along and cheer them on? If it gets you motivated, it’s never too early to start thinking about training for next year’s marathon… or if you have a place already and want to raise money for animals, get in touch. No matter what sort of run you choose, you’ll be achieving something amazing – for yourself and for animals in need. To find out more, visit worldanimalprotection.org.uk/fundraise, get in touch with Jane at fundraising@worldanimalprotection.org.uk or call 0800 316 9772.
Animal Matters • Issue 03
What you’ve been saying
Thanks to you This piglet and his 24 brothers and sisters are now protected after a volcano erupted and destroyed farmland on Fogo (‘fire’) island in Cabo Verde. Your donations helped pay for much needed vitamins and de-worming medicine to keep the litter healthy during the disaster.
“While there are organisations like World Animal Protection there is hope that the plight of so many suffering animals will be eased and that my involvement has helped.” Ann via Animal Protector.
“I am pleased to support an organisa tion that acts as a voice for the animals around the world that endure su ch unn ecessa ry suffer ing.”
Mrs Janice Lyons, Essex, via post.
“Thank you, thank you, for the anima ls who cannot thank you themselves. At least we can be their voices. ” Margaret & Ronald via Animal Protector.
Featured fundraiser This issue our featured fundraiser is Becky Groves, who beat all the obstacles in her way for animals last year when she took part in the gruelling Nuts Challenge – a 7km muddy obstacle course. Why did you choose to do this challenge? “I took part in the Nuts Challenge to raise money for World Animal Protection, as I wanted to do my bit for all the animals that are being poorly treated.” Can you describe the challenge to us? “It certainly wasn’t easy, not surprisingly as it’s considered to be one of the most strenuous military-style assault courses out there, with 100 obstacles to overcome! But after two hours trawling through mud, wading through rivers and climbing over and under many different and unexpected obstacles, I crossed the finish line.” What kept you motivated? “This challenge was made easier in the knowledge that I was doing it for such a good charity and that the £700+ raised was going to World Animal Protection to help combat the world’s most intense and large-scale animal welfare issues.” What would you say to other supporters thinking of doing a challenge event? “I am glad I did my bit for vulnerable animals across the world and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about doing a challenge to sign up and raise lots of money in the process!” To sign up to one of our challenge events, visit worldanimalprotection.org.uk/fundraise or get in touch at fundraising@worldanimalprotection.org.uk or call 0800 316 9772. Animal Matters • Issue 03
Keep in touch on social media We’d love to know what you think and keep you updated on all the ways you are protecting animals around the world. 5
Bears Her wounds were treated and the harsh rope was gently removed from her nose. She was given her new name to match her personality – Galax means ‘courageous’.
Galax the bear saved thanks to you Thanks to your incredible kindness, another bear has been rescued from the horrendous blood sport bear baiting in Pakistan.
News just in: five more bears saved!
In the last issue of Animal Matters we asked you for urgent help to end to bear baiting – the cruel ‘tradition’ where weakened bears are tied to a post and forced to fight trained dogs all for entertainment.
We are delighted to share the news that, just before going to print, another five bears were saved from bear baiting.
Galax’s story
We’re pleased to share that thanks to you, Galax never has to fight again. 11-year-old Galax, pictured below, was kept chained to a rope and forced to fight in the bear baiting arena for at least two years. Thankfully, Dr Fakhar and his team at our partner in Pakistan had been working tirelessly to save Galax and convinced her owner to surrender her, in exchange for help setting up a small shop as an alternative way to earn a living.
One of them is Benny, who featured in the last issue of Animal Matters. We thought that this bear was a five-year-old male, based on information given by her owner, but, she is in fact a four-year-old female! Benny has been re-named Sukhi (meaning happy) and is recovering in quarantine along with Galax and the other rescued bears. We promise to keep you updated on their progress and will share their stories in your summer issue of Animal Matters.
Time to heal
Once at the sanctuary, Galax’s wounds were treated and the harsh rope and metal ring were gently removed from her nose. She was given her new name to match her personality – Galax means ‘courageous’. She is now getting used to her new surroundings in the sanctuary’s quarantine area for newly rescued bears and is recovering well. Soon, she’ll meet with Rene (pictured above) who you helped rescue in 2012, who’ll help her adjust to her new life at the sanctuary. Thank you so much for saving Galax from a life of misery and taking us one step closer to freeing the remaining bears still being exploited in the cruel tradition of bear baiting. 6
Image: BRC
Animal Matters • Issue 03
Wildlife
Protecting animals on your holiday With your support, we’ve launched a worldwide campaign to protect wild animals from exploitation in the tourism industry. Before they Book is a campaign showing tourists all over the world the cruelty that animals trapped in the tourism industry are forced to endure – sending the message loud and clear that animal entertainment is animal abuse. The sad truth is that many holidaymakers are just animal lovers who want to have their photo taken with a wild animal, or to be able to get up close and pet one. But they are unaware of the suffering this causes. Our campaign reveals the true suffering happening behind closed doors when the tourists and cameras are not around. Tigers and elephants have to endure a lifetime of physical and psychological pain before tourists can get near them:
Taming tigers
Tigers in the wild are solitary hunters that roam freely. Tigers held captive in tourist parks are crowded together and often
chained to concrete so they can’t move around. They are forced to endure horrendous cruelty to be ‘tamed’ for visiting tourists. A tiger’s teeth and claws may be removed to make it ‘safer’ – an extremely painful process that can cause arthritis and other longterm health issues.
Breaking elephants
Elephants in the wild are highly intelligent, social animals that form strong family bonds. Elephants used for rides and shows are often taken from their mothers at an early age and kept isolated so they cannot form relationships with each other. Their natural instincts are ‘broken’ through extreme violence and cruelty – they are often beaten into submission with hooks and other sharp objects. The life of these majestic elephants and tigers trapped in captivity is a far cry from life in the wild.
There is another way
We can all appreciate the beauty of these animals by observing them in their natural homes in the wild. Help us spread the word about the secret suffering of animals in the tourism industry by watching and sharing our video on Facebook and Twitter – or tell your friends about it: beforetheybook.worldanimalprotection.org. The more people that know, the less animals have to suffer for our entertainment.
Image: Chris van Hove
Tell us about your wildlife experience Have you spent time at an animal rescue sanctuary? Or seen wild animals in their natural habitats? Tell us! We’d love to hear your positive stories, and have a signed copy of bestselling author Jodi Picoult’s latest novel ‘Leaving Time’ as a prize for the best entry. Leaving Time shines a powerful spotlight on the incredible beauty and emotional intelligence of elephants and some of the tragic difficulties they face – both in captivity and in the wild. It follows the story of 13-year-old Jenna Metcalf who is on a quest, searching for her mother, an elephant researcher, who disappeared 10 years earlier after a tragic accident at their sanctuary for former circus/zoo elephants. To be in with a chance of winning, email your 200 words or less story to news@worldanimalprotection.org.uk or post to World Animal Protection, 222 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8HB and we’ll announce the winner and publish the story in your summer issue of Animal Matters. Good luck! Animal Matters • Issue 03
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Urgent Appeal
STOP violent dog culling Right now, in the Philippines, dogs are being violently and painfully killed to ‘clean’ the streets of strays. Roaming about town, a young puppy is approached by a stranger. Curious, he looks up – but the stranger betrays his trust and hurls a wire loop around his neck. Terrified, the puppy kicks to escape. But his struggles cause the loop to constrict like a noose, tight around his body. He is dragged away, thrown into the back of a van and left alone in the darkness. This terrifying ordeal is happening to thousands of dogs around the world every single day, in attempt to rid the streets of strays and fight the killer disease rabies. With your help, we are determined to stop it.
The true cost of culling
Culling dogs is legal in the Philippines under the Anti-Rabies Act (2007). Under this act, stray dogs are captured, taken to dog pounds and if not claimed or adopted within 72 hours, are killed. And it isn’t just stray dogs at risk of a cruel and painful death – many dogs on the streets of the Philippines are in fact someone’s pet, allowed to roam about freely. For years, World Animal Protection supporters have been helping to protect innocent dogs from cruel culling around the world, from Bangladesh to Tanzania. Now it’s time to reach dogs in the Philippines. 8
The dreadful description above is how Mikey the puppy would have likely been captured. Dr Daniel Ventura, one of our vets here at World Animal Protection, shares his tragic story…
Mikey’s story
“I have seen some terrible cruelty inflicted on animals in my time as a vet. But nothing could prepare me for what I saw one day at a dog pound in the Philippines. At this time I wasn’t working for World Animal Protection, but teaching vet students about animal welfare. Among the crowded cages, I saw one puppy stand out. I didn’t know if he was someone’s lost pet or a stray, and I couldn’t possibly know what his name was – so to tell his story I decided to call him Mikey. Suddenly, a pound worker came along and carried little Mikey away with a group of other dogs. Confused and frightened, they were thrown in to a rusty cage that was wheeled into a metal gas chamber.
A terrible way to die
The door to the gas chamber slammed shut and toxic fumes were piped in. The dogs, including Mikey, started howling in pain, fighting for their lives as they began to suffocate. They were terrified. I could hear them crying and whining – it made me feel sick – but at the time there was nothing I could do. I’ll never forget what I saw that day, and since then I’ve been dedicated to helping animals, so I joined World Animal Protection as one of their vets.” Animal Matters • Issue 03
How your gift could help
I want to help save a dog’s life
could help vaccinate 75 dogs against the killer disease rabies.
Post your completed form to: RLUC-CTKT-LLTR, World Animal Protection, 2a Halifax Road, Melksham, SN12 6YY
Telephone 0800 316 9966 (9am-5pm, Monday – Friday)
£30 £75 £120
could help protect stray dogs from being violently culled. could educate families to prevent owned dogs from roaming the streets.
Needless suffering
Disturbingly, Mikey’s story is not a one-off. So many dogs are dying needlessly. In Cebu City alone, nearly 30,000 dogs were brutally killed over four years. And although, with your support, we successfully imposed a ban on gassing dogs in the Philippines, we believe the terrible practice is still being carried out in some areas. Using culling as a way to control rabies is not only horribly cruel, it also simply does not work. At World Animal Protection, we are fighting rabies through mass vaccination: by creating a barrier of healthy, immune dogs that will block the disease from spreading.
Protecting dogs
Thanks to you, we are already on the ground in the Philippines giving free vaccinations to dogs like Malakas and Wins, who were brought to a clinic in Cainta by their owners Cardine and her son, Ryan. The family had been waiting patiently for hours in the hot community centre with their dogs, but it didn’t bother them, “We would wait all day for these vaccinations if we had to,” said Cardine. They had heard about the free clinic that your donations help fund and were determined to come along. “It is always important to try to get dogs vaccinated,” said Ryan. “Rabies is so bad for them.” But so many more dogs urgently need vaccinating and we need to raise more funds to protect as many as we can. With your help today, we could buy more vaccinations and promote responsible pet ownership so that people know the dangers of letting their dogs roam the streets. Please join our fight against cruelty today. Your gift could help make sure that no more dogs like Mikey are sentenced to die in vain. Thank you.
Visit worldanimalprotection.org.uk/stopcruelty
Here is my gift of: £30 £75 £120 other £ Please debit my: Mastercard Visa CAF Charity Card
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Signature: Date: OR I enclose a cheque / CAF cheque / postal order, made payable to World Animal Protection World Animal Protection sends acknowledgement letters for donations over £5. If you do not want an acknowledgement for your donation please tick here Your donation will help World Animal Protection to protect animals from cruelty and suffering, including those featured in this appeal.
Increase the value of your gift by 25% at no extra cost to you If you are a UK taxpayer please tick the box to ensure that every £1 you give is worth an extra 25p at no extra charge to you. I am a UK tax payer and want World Animal Protection to treat all qualifying donations over the last four years, today and in the future, as Gift Aid donations. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/ or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for each tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand that World Animal Protection will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give. I am not a UK taxpayer
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Please print your details clearly below Name: Address: Postcode: Supporter number: We’d love to keep you updated on how you are protecting animals. If you are happy for us to contact you in the ways below, please fill in your details. Telephone: Mobile: Email: World Animal Protection. Company Limited by Guarantee in England and Wales, Registration No. 4029540. Registered Charity 1081849. 15031WMA033
Animal Matters • Issue 03
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Oceans
Cleaning up our oceans for animals With your support, our global Sea Change campaign is gaining pace. Since it launched, you have been helping protect marine animals from the dangers of abandoned fishing net and line floating in the sea. Now it’s time to convince seafood companies to reduce the amount of ghost fishing gear going in to our oceans and start to remove the lethal junk that’s already there. Alyx Elliott, a campaign manager here in the UK, tells us more.
Ghost gear is such a big problem, how is this campaign going to make a difference? “By reducing the amount of ghost gear going into the ocean, removing what is already there and rescuing animals that are trapped in it. Reducing and removing it from the ocean is essential. We are working with fishermen, but we are also engaging with supermarkets, corporates and the seafood industry in general – everyone in the supply chain has a really important role to play.” So how do we plan on convincing the seafood industry to reduce and remove ghost gear? “We will keep providing evidence, from research we’re carrying out in Cornwall and the west coast of Scotland, that this is a genuine, urgent problem. And we will show retailers that people don’t want to buy seafood that is associated with ghost gear. We’ve just carried out an opinion poll that shows that, if they knew that a particular retailer had committed to reducing ghost gear, 56% of GB adults say they would be more likely to buy their seafood products.”
What sort of action will the seafood industry be taking? “Firstly, we will ask them to join the Global Ghost Gear Initiative which is something that we’ve set up to bring corporates and fishermen together to take action on the issue. Secondly, we want them to investigate their supply chains and if they find a problem then work with us to find ways to solve it. One example of something they could do is to consider funding solutions to tackle ghost gear, like port side recycling schemes for old fishing nets. What we really want to see is long-term commitment to the responsible disposal of fishing gear so it doesn’t end up putting animal lives at risk.” Who has shown a positive interest so far? “We’ve already received quite a positive reaction from most of the retailers we’ve spoken to. Morrisons supermarket and Seachill (who are Tesco’s number one seafood supplier) have already shown interest. And we’re actively meeting with all the other major supermarkets, retailers and seafood brands in the UK.” “We’re very clear about the impact of ghost gear on animals first and foremost because that’s what we’re here for – to represent the animals that don’t have a voice otherwise.” And how will all this help animals? “If retailers put in place measures in their supply chains to reduce and remove ghost gear from our oceans, that will remove a major threat to thousands, if not millions, of marine animals.” How can supporters help? “We need people to help show evidence of the problem here in the UK. For those who’d like to do something hands on, they could get involved with the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) Big Spring Beach Clean in March, which is happening all across the UK. Or if they want to organise dive cleans or their own beach cleans they can get in touch with us and we’ll do what we can to help.” And finally, what does the Sea Change campaign mean to you? “If this issue was happening on land – people dumping litter causing animal suffering – there would be an outcry. To be given the responsibility of telling people about it is something I take really seriously and I am so grateful that we are able to inspire people to help animals in this way.”
Get involved The SAS Big Spring Beach Clean runs from 27-29 March at various locations around the UK. To find out more about how you can get involved and help clean up your coastline to protect animals, visit worldanimalprotection.org.uk/beachclean 10
Animal Matters • Issue 03
Farming Cows in factory farms have little or no opportunity to graze on grass, and and are more likely to suffer from lameness and udder infections Image: Sam Frost/World Animal Protection
Full Fact Milk: Knowing how your milk is produced The current milk price crisis has put dairy farming firmly back in the news. With many traditional pasturebased dairy farmers losing their livelihoods, as milk is sold ever more cheaply, there is a risk we could see more factory dairy farms in the UK. This would be a disaster for the cows we all love to see grazing in fields. A few issues ago, we reminded readers of the shocking figure that milk from factory farmed cows could already make up at least 10% of the milk we drink. And there are some who estimate that the amount could actually be much higher. There is no way of knowing what the true number is because information on the amount of intensive indoor dairies in the UK – and how many cows are living in factory farms – isn’t collected and published by the UK Government.
Why do we need to know?
Surveys we have carried out show that the majority of people don’t want their milk to come from factory farmed cows – and we know that supporters like you don’t either. Cows in factory farms have little or no opportunity to graze on grass, which restricts their freedom to express natural behaviour, and puts them at a higher risk of becoming lame and suffering from mastitis (a painful infection of the udder).
Supermarket dilemma
Without a clear labelling system, it is difficult for us to know if the milk we’re buying from our local shop or supermarket contains milk from factory farmed dairy cows. Buying organic milk provides some guarantee that the cows that produced the milk Animal Matters • Issue 03
have been able to graze on grass for much of the year. But what about the rest of the milk on the shelves?
A case for change
Our dairy campaign manager Ian Woodhurst says, “Before 2004 there was no clear labelling of eggs but now they are labelled according to the way the hens producing them are housed. However, when it comes to milk, there is virtually no information for consumers about how the milk they are buying has been produced.”
Demanding answers
Together, we have been campaigning against the spread of intensive indoor dairy farms in the UK since 2010. And recently, many of you have been contacting us asking how you can be sure that you’re buying milk from cows that have grazed on grass, because you share our concerns about cows in factory farms. So we are calling on the UK Government to collect information on the types of dairy farms that are operating in the UK. “We know from surveys we’ve conducted that people would be willing to pay a little extra to guarantee the milk they buy has come from cows on grass,” says Ian. “They need to be able to easily identify milk that has been produced in the way they want – that’s why we are campaigning for #FullFactMilk.”
Take action for dairy cows Please help by contacting your local MP and asking them to sign our Early Day Motion calling on the Government to collect and publish information on the number of intensive indoor dairy farms in the UK. Visit worldanimalprotection.org.uk/dairyMP to find out how, then spread the word online: #FullFactMilk. 11
Orang-utans
Image: Steve Leonard for Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation
Searching for Borneo’s orang-utans Part 1: Some of you may remember an incredible project that your donations helped fund back in 2007: the Nyaru Menteng orang-utan sanctuary in Borneo. James Sawyer, World Animal Protection’s Director of Disaster Management recently paid a visit to Borneo to catch up with the project. In this two-part diary, find out how he got on when he ended up deep in the rainforest in search of rescued orang-utans…
Rainforest destruction
Orang-utans have become a symbol for rainforest destruction. Today, only one percent of the original population still exists. Selective logging is where the problem started but now, the largest threat is palm oil, used in everything from biscuits and crisps through to shampoo and biofuel. 12
Protecting orang-utans
As demand for palm oil drives further into the remaining forests, more is lost forever. As orang-utan habitats shrink, they come into contact with humans and are shot, or their babies are sold into the tourist trade. In 2007, the Borneo Orang-utan Survival Foundation (BOS) lost its major funders and asked World Animal Protection (then WSPA) to help. The 650-plus orang-utans in their care faced a dark future, but thanks to supporters, we were able to step in and help.
An adventure awaits
The orang-utans are now being rescued, rehabilitated and released into the heart of Borneo. Over the next few days we will visit one of their recently completed release camps in Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest. We’ll travel hours across pristine rainforest with the people who release and monitor these creatures to ensure their protection. It’s my kind of adventure!
Ready for take off
At 9pm an email came through telling us to be ready for 07:30 and the frantic packing and repacking began. We are going to a very remote place and will be operating in harsh conditions. Kit and bodies will be tested, minds stretched and emotions challenged – but we are ready. Animal Matters • Issue 03
Orang-utans Into the jungle
As I wedged myself in the back of the floatplane I was excited – but I wasn’t prepared for the mood change I experienced. As we flew towards the release camp, we saw what can only be described as the ‘101’ different types of destruction being inflicted upon rainforests around the world. We floated over sinister-looking palm oil plantations, and in the river saw huge floating rafts of trees winding their way through the destruction of logging. 70 nautical miles into the flight, the depression lifted a little as the forest grew thicker.
On board
Upon landing, we waited on a raft of floating logs then settled down on the hard plank floor of a typical jungle river boat to continue our journey. Upstream there was only forest, all the way to the border with Malaysia. Upstream there be orangutans! I allowed my excitement to rise at the remote possibility of seeing one in the wild. The next few days were certainly going to be interesting.
At the release camp
The distinctive sound of competing gibbon calls rang out as I stirred heavily from my slumber on a very thin mattress. Here we were in the heart of Borneo at the Batikap release camp! From this camp, BOS free rehabilitated orang-utans back into the wild to live their lives the way they were meant to. Before the orang-utans are released, they have a small radio transmitter inserted into their necks – this doesn’t hurt but allows BOS to capture vital data about their whereabouts. One orang-utan the team was particularly interested in finding was Shelli, who hadn’t been spotted since her release over a year ago. Illegally held in captivity in Jakarta, eight-year-old Shelli was rescued in 2001. When she came to BOS’s Nyaru Menteng sanctuary she had lost most of her natural skills and was very dependent on her babysitters. She eventually regained her survival skills, but was 20 years old when she was finally ready to be released back into the wild. Shelli at Nyaru Menteng sanctuary before her release into the wild. Image: Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation
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On the lookout
We were dropped off by boat further into the jungle and began the search for Shelli. The forest was wet, hot, and humid and the going was heavy. After six long hours of climbing we assembled the radio tracking equipment and were in luck! Shelli’s signal came through clearly.
Meeting Shelli
All of a sudden she was there in the trees. My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest and my throat was bone dry. I scrambled to get my camera out and grab a photo.
On the run
Shelli hadn’t seen people for almost a year and was very interested in us. She decided she wanted a closer look, probably thinking that my rucksack contained an easy lunch! BOS have a strict policy of no contact for released orang-utans and Shelli was a mature female and so was potentially a danger. The tension ramped up a little bit when she hit the ground… All of a sudden I felt like the hunted as she started to move toward us and the BOS staff urged me quickly away. We crashed through the trees at a brisk walk… and Shelli followed.
Back to camp
As quickly as it had started, we were suddenly sitting on the boat, safe from harm and I was moving rapidly from ‘fight or flight’ to exhilaration. What a privilege to see Shelli alive and well in the wild. As I travelled back to camp I reflected on Shelli’s amazing journey. This isn’t, however, the end of the trip. Tomorrow we’ll be visiting the sanctuary. Who knows what awaits us there...
Look out for part two of James’s column in your summer issue of Animal Matters.
A mother orang-utan and her baby swing through the trees at the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary that your donations helped support.
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Bears
New lives for Romania’s bears Last year, your amazing support helped rescue four more bears from cruel captivity and danger in Romania. A mother and her cub
Terra, a mother bear, and her cub Pluto were suffering terribly in a badly run zoo in southern Romania. Thanks to your support, our partner Asociatia Milioane de Prieteni or ‘Millions of Friends’ (AMP) fought for their release and finally managed to free them in July 2014. Terra and Pluto have been exploring the large forested quarantine area and are nearly ready to join the other bears in the main sanctuary enclosure – a far cry from being trapped behinds bars in a zoo.
Andi the bin raider
Andi the cub (pictured left) had been wandering into a local town to raid people’s bins and steal food. One time he even snuck off with a sack of potatoes! At first, people were amused by Andi’s antics but soon grew tired of him and complained to the authorities. In situations like this in Romania, the bear would usually be shot. But AMP stepped in to save Andi and agreed that he could come to live at the sanctuary that you help fund. He still loves his food and is settling into his new forest home well. Would you like the chance to meet some of the bears you’ve helped save? Then sign up to our bear adventure trek! Turn to the back page for more information.
Bears we’ve recently had to say goodbye to One of the hardest things is when a rescued bear passes away. Recently, we’ve said goodbye to three old and great bears who, thanks to you, at least got to spend their final days in peace.
Eva
Eva, a very frail brown bear, was rescued in March last year, but sadly died of old age over Christmas.
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Ursula
Ursula, a blind Asiatic black bear passed away not long after Eva. She was more than 35 years old when she was rescued from a zoo in 2008. When she arrived at the sanctuary, Ursula was given her own enclosure with a pool and a den all to herself, due to her old age and blindness. She had six wonderful years at the sanctuary, all thanks to you.
Charles
Nicknamed ‘Prince Charles’, this bear had spent most of his life in a run-down zoo until you helped rescue him. At a whopping 43 years old (wild bears live around 25 years), he was weak and frail, but miraculously when he came to the sanctuary found a new lease of life. Thank you so much for making his final couple of years happy ones.
Animal Matters • Issue 03
Gifts in Wills
Protect what matters to you A gift in your Will could mean a brighter, kinder future for the animals you care about. At World Animal Protection, so much of the help we give simply wouldn’t be possible without the kindness and commitment of supporters who have so generously left us a gift in their Will. Gifts in Wills have helped achieve so much for animals. They have helped protect hundreds of thousands of dogs from cruel culls. They have provided food and medical care for thousands of animals caught up in disasters. And they have helped rescue bears around the world from cruel captivity. By remembering World Animal Protection with a gift in your Will, you could help ensure that in the years to come, whenever animals are suffering, we can be there to protect them on your behalf. There really is no better way of continuing your lifetime commitment to protecting animals. Anyone can leave a gift in their Will, and you can leave as much or as little as you’re able to give. Whether large or small, your gift would make an amazing difference for animals. We understand that making a Will is a personal decision, which we promise to treat with the highest respect. We also know that the process can be daunting – so we’ve put together a free guide that explains everything you’ll need to know. So if you’d like more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’ll be happy to help. And if you’ve already left us a gift in your Will – thank you so much. We are truly grateful for your incredible commitment to animals in need around the world.
What others have to say… Although we can offer no practical field help, our Wills will pro vide financial assistance whenever suffering exists, and we’re proud that at least a few animals’ lives may be enriched and saved. Of course we do hope to live a lot long er yet, and in the meantime I hope that legacies are always forthcoming so that your excellent work is able to continue. Mrs Jacqueline Anderson, North Yorkshire
Animal Matters • Issue 03
The legacy my parents pa ssed to me included a respect and love for animals – my Wi ll reflects this. Keep up your vital work.
Mr P Emery, Staffordshire
How you can leave a gift for animals To find out how you can go on protecting animals long into the future, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. And if you have already remembered us that’s fantastic – please do let us know. I have already remembered World Animal Protection with a gift in my Will I intend to leave a gift to World Animal Protection in my Will I would like some more information about leaving a gift to World Animal Protection in my Will Please send a free information guide to: Name: Address: Postcode: Supporter number (if known): By giving your details you are happy for World Animal Protection to contact you in this way.
Please return to us at World Animal Protection, 222 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8HB or request a guide by calling 0845 073 7500 or emailing giftsinwills@worldanimalprotection.org.uk 15
Meet rescued bears this autumn Do you want the chance to visit bears that you’ve helped rescue?
Visit worldanimalprotection.org.uk/fundraise
“When I first saw a bear, so close in its natural habitat it made me so happy... Seeing them lying in the sun and playing in the pools at the sanctuary was an opportunity too good to miss.”
Call 0800 316 9772
Gillian, a past bear adventurer.
Then come and join us on the journey of a lifetime this September – our Romanian Bear Adventure. On this seven day trek you’ll explore the valleys and peaks of Romania’s breath-taking Carpathian Mountains and finish up at the sanctuary where you’ll get to see the bears you’ve helped rescue from cruel captivity. It is an amazing opportunity to see first-hand how your donations are helping, and to raise even more money to help protect more animals all over the world.
To find out more:
Email fundraising@worldanimalprotection.org.uk