Background

Three years ago, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo became a leader in taking action against the Palm Oil Crisis, which is threatening the very survival of orangutans. You may not be aware that the only place in the world that orangutans exist is on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, and that Sumatran and Bornean orangutans are two of the most endangered primates on the planet. Over the last several years, orangutan populations have decreased at alarming rates because of deforestation for the purpose of creating palm oil plantations. Palm oil is used in many everyday items, from cookies to cosmetics, and as a source of biofuel. In the last three years we have been raising awareness and funds. Now, it’s time for us to take real, tangible action and see for ourselves exactly what’s happening in Borneo and Sumatra so that we can take the next vital steps to ensure orangutans will be a part of the natural world for many years to come.

We have planned a trip that will put us on the ground in Indonesia and Malaysia, seeing first-hand the many facets of the Palm Oil Crisis.

At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we believe that we have a responsibility to be a leader in conservation, captive breeding and animal care. The Zoo also believes that people want to make a positive difference in the world through conservation efforts and that we have a unique opportunity to engage, inform and inspire a large and captive audience about issues impacting animals and the environment.