Indonesia's national treasures

Indonesia's national treasures

I would like to commend the government of Indonesia for
insisting on the immediate and safe return of some 100 Indonesian
orangutans, currently and illegally, held in cramped cages at
Safari World, Bangkok.

There should be no dispute; the facts are, these orangutans
were stolen from Indonesia and sold to Safari World.
International law is on the side of Indonesia. Money has been
made available for the repatriation of the orangutans to
Indonesia, where, I know, the internationally highly regarded
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has the appropriate rescue
and rehabilitation facilities ready to accept them.

These orangutans belong to the people of Indonesia -- they are
your very own national treasures, which do not belong to either
Thailand or to Safari World.

As I write today, these magnificent animals of the forest, sit
in tiny cages whilst the Thai government, for reasons best known
to itself (complicity has been alleged), tries to ignore this
matter.

If you feel strongly these orangutans should be returned to
your country without further delay, why not call or write to the
Embassy of Thailand in Jakarta, and tell them you want your
orangutans returned -- now?

SEAN WHYTE, Editor Rainforests, UK