Words by Blyth Brentnall
A critically-endangered orangutan has given birth at Blackpool zoo for the first time in 20 years.
Aww! Tell me more.
The 13-year-old female, Jingga, produced a son with her partner, Kawan, as part of a breeding scheme aimed at preserving this species on the brink of extinction.
The zoo’s director, Darren Webster, welcomed the birth as "wonderful news" for the zoo and for the survival of this species.
Bornean orangutans living in the wild have come under increasing pressure from human-related threats. The population is predicted to decline by 86% from 1950 to 2025, due to habitat loss.
Blackpool Zoo is involved in the European Endangered Species Programme. It is aimed at preserving the genetic health of some of the world’s most vulnerable species in captivity while supporting conservation work around the world.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Born Free. This is a wildlife conservation charity that’s passionate about wild animal welfare and Compassionate Conservation. Find out more here.
Four Paws UK. This charity is an animal welfare organisation, working globally to help animals in need. Learn more here.
RSPCA. This is the leading animal welfare charity in the UK, and they specialise in animal rescue & furthering the welfare cause for all animals. Find out more here.
