Need a new gift idea for Christmas, especially for the person who has too much 'stuff'? Adopting an orangutan is the perfect way to make a meaningful difference in the world. It shows you care – in more ways than one.
Asto and Asih, two young, orphaned orangutans in a Sumatran rescue centre, need support to help them attend Jungle School. But why do orangutans go to school? One simple reason: their survival depends on it. Without Jungle School, Asto and Asih can never return to the wild.
The reason is that orangutans are not born with survival instincts; instead, they learn everything from their mothers. They can't climb trees or swing through the forest unless their mothers teach them how. They have no idea which foods are safe to eat unless their mothers show them.
But Asto and Asih, who were rescued from illegal wildlife traders in 2021, don't have mothers.
"We believe their mums were killed when wildlife traders took the babies," says Kylie Bullo, who manages adoptions with The Orangutan Project.
"If the rescuers hadn't arrived in time, these infants would have been sold into a life of captivity and misery," she says.
Although they're very cute, orangutans don't make good pets. They are not meant to walk around on the ground or eat human food, and they can become quite sick if they're kept away from freedom and fresh fruits and leaves in the forest.
Kylie adds, "These little ones had a traumatic start to life, but thanks to the carers at our rescue centre, they're recovering well and going from strength to strength."
With Christmas just around the corner, adopting these little bubs could be the perfect gift for animal-lovers.
"Asto and Asih will stay in their rescue centre with their dedicated carers, but through an adoption, you and your loved ones will become an important part of their family!" says Kylie.
Through an ongoing monthly gift, supporters will help give Asto and Asih the love and care they're missing from their mums. Adoptions provide breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for these young orangutans, including their favourite foods of milk and watermelon!
Support also goes to their 'surrogate mums' who care for them round-the-clock, providing food, medical care, Jungle School and the thing they miss most from their mothers – cuddles.
Find out all about Asto and Asih here and take a peek at other orangutans you can adopt.
Give someone the perfect eco-friendly gift that will delight them and spread love to vulnerable young orangutans.
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