We are once again proudly participating in this year’s “Giving Day for Apes” event. This annual occasion rallies supporters from across the globe to unite in safeguarding great apes and their habitats. This is the tenth annual Giving Day for Apes event and this year we’re focusing on the progress our orangutan project has made over that time.
Initially, our focus revolved around the crucial pillars of rescue, rehabilitation, and release—an unwavering commitment that remains central to our mission. However, as time passed we recognised that to make a substantial and lasting difference, it was imperative to address the root causes.
Over the years, our approach has evolved to encompass comprehensive prevention and mitigation strategies. Initiatives such as education, tree planting, gender empowerment, organic farming, fire patrolling, scholarships, and much more have been introduced to create a holistic safety net around orangutan habitats.
At the forefront of this year’s Giving Day for Apes is the poignant story of Budi, an orangutan rescued in 2014 - the year of the first Giving Day for Apes. Budi’s early life was marked by unimaginable suffering, as he was confined to a cramped chicken cage and subjected to a diet of condensed milk. Upon his rescue, he was severely malnourished, anemic, and barely able to move.
Since 2009, YIARI has conducted more than 250 orangutan rescues but through a steadfast commitment to holistic solutions, the need for rescues has diminished, allowing for a greater focus on habitat protection and education to ensure that orangutans thrive in their natural environment.
In a momentous occasion this year, Budi was released into the pristine wilderness of Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park on June 26. However, this is just the beginning, as ongoing post-release monitoring is essential to ensure Budi’s and others’ continued success in the wild. The final chapter of a rescued orangutan’s story is merely the first page of a new beginning, and ensuring suitable conditions for their thriving is paramount.
As part of Giving Day for Apes, we invite compassionate individuals and organizations worldwide to join our mission by making a donation. There are tens of thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs during this event and every donation increases our chances of winning!
Together, we can make a lasting difference and secure a brighter future for orangutans and their invaluable natural habitat. To donate and participate in Giving Day for Apes, please visit our event page at https://www.givingdayforapes.org/organization/International-Animal-Rescue-Us