Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. 

Margaret Mead

It really is amazing what people can do when a small number of them contribute.

I’m thrilled to be able to tell you (if you didn’t know already) that the incredible appeal by the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) for £870,000 to save 890 acres for orangutans was successful.    

The Indonesian palm oil plantation was up for sale and SOS had an opportunity to buy the land and restore the forest.  But SOS needed donations – fast.

2,500 people joined in and over the course of several months, they contributed the required amount to save the forest for orangutans.

The land will be returned to the forest and the wildlife to whom it belonged. SOS will be restoring the site to its former glory. Working with its local partner, Yayasan Orangutan Sumatera Lestari, the oil palms will be removed and the forest replanted to encourage orangutans and other wildlife to come back.  Critically, this will extend their habitat from the neighbouring national park so it will be a natural extension for the animals.

Footage captured by camera traps in a rainforest restoration site in the Leuser Ecosystem, Sumatra, managed by the Orangutan Information Centre and Sumatran Orangutan Society

Needless to say, millions of other animals will benefit as well, all thanks to the contributions of 2,500 people. 

Some people donated £5, others donated quite a bit more, but that’s neither here nor there.

The key thing is that people joined in and they donated and as a result, they will make a considerable difference to the orangutans and other animals. They took action and succeeded together.

They took action and together, they succeeded in saving the acreage for these wonderful creatures.

Well done to everyone involved and a huge thanks to everyone who contributed.  We did it!!!  

Orangutans, enjoy!