How to Adopt an Orangutan

Orangutans suffer an an unfortunate fate more often than not. As consumers, we are contributing to that fate when we buy wood harvested in the rainforests of Indonesia and throughout Asia. When loggers cut down those trees, down come the orangutans. Here's where you come in. Adopting an orangutan by sponsoring one can aid in the species' rehabilitation and recovery. And with just a few dollars, you can feel like a million dollars. Do something good for yourself, the environment and an endangered species by adopting an orangutan today. Then take your mission one step further and agree not to purchase any wood products that come from the rainforest.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet connection
• Phone
• Credit card

1. Log onto www.redapes.org and click on the top tab that says "Adopt an Orangutan Today."Fill out your credit card information, and for as little as $10 per month, you can adopt an orangutan!
2. Support the World Animal Foundation's efforts by adopting an orangutan through their program. Go to http://worldanimalfoundation.homestead.com/AdoptAnOrangutan.html and click towards the bottom of the page, where it says "Adopt an Orangutan." Follow the easy steps using your credit card, and agree to adopt an orangutan in exchange for a colorful photo, fact sheet, certificate and animal action cards.
3. Register in Care for the Wild International's adoption program, and you'll be entitled to: a personalized adoption certificate with a color picture of a rescued orangutan named Violet; a copy of the video, "Orangutan the Forest Ape"; a CWI window sticker; and an orangutan fact sheet, all for the price of a few designer coffee drinks! You'll also get an update on Violet’s progress after six months of adoption. Go to www.careforthewild.com and click on the "adoptions" tab at the top of the page.
4. Adopt an orangutan through a zoo organization like the one at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Visit them online at www.nationalzoo.si.edu. Click on the section for "support the zoo," followed by "adopt a species." Scroll down to the "large mammals" section and click on "orangutan." Your adoption money goes directly to their medical care and toward improving their exhibit.
5. Get out from behind your cubicle and go experience these amazing creatures in the wild. Visit them in their habitat; while you're there, put your money to good use by adopting one or more on a regular basis. Visit www.responsibletravel.com and click on the tab for wildlife holidays. Then click on "wildlife conservation," followed by "Indonesia." Pick a company of your choice to support and arrange your ongoing adoption with. You'll be glad you did!

Tips & Warnings

• For every Christmas gift, holiday gift and/or birthday gift you have to give, consider giving an adoption certificate to your friends that will show them the orangutan they have just adopted. They'll be delighted, and you will have contributed toward saving a life.
• Check out any organization thoroughly before donating or adopting. Make sure your funds are going directly to the animal, and not into the pockets of administrative officials. If you suspect corruption, don't give up! Just contribute directly through the donation of needed goods (like food, blankets and hammocks) instead of cash.