Norbrook Support To Give Bornean Orangutans A Fighting Chance At Life
6 years ago 
1583 views
Norbrook has thrown its support behind a veterinary project in Borneo, donating a range of products that will be prescribed by vets to medically treat the ‘critically endangered’ orangutan population.
The project will support the Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), an on-the-ground team that rescues orangutans and other rainforest animals suffering as a result of deforestation, forest fires and animal trafficking.
The Bornean orangutan is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as ‘critically endangered’ – just one step away from extinction. Around 100,000 are estimated to live on Borneo, down from 288,500 in 1973, and their numbers are expected to shrink to 47,000 by 2025, according to the IUCN.
British wildlife veterinarian, Dr Paul Ramos, will lead a team in January 2018 to Kalimantan, Borneo, with veterinarian Dr Tristan Rich, and BBC filmmaker Peter Jones.
Through the film project, Mr Ramos hopes to tell the story of the immense challenges and practical solutions facing rainforest animals and how people and organisations, such as Norbrook, can work together to make a difference.
Dr Ramos says the animals typically arrive at the BOSF clinic in a considerable state of injury, illness and poor condition; and often they are only babies.
“The Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation manages 750 orangutans, and many of these are not releasable so will live in a semi-wild state as they cannot survive on their own. It takes many years of intense ‘jungle school’ before an orphan can safely go back to the wild.
“Sound medical therapy becomes paramount in the animals’ journey towards rehabilitation, and this contribution of key veterinary supplies helps to make this possible. Simply put, the Norbrook donation will give the animals a fighting chance.”
Monica Whistler, Norbrook’s Marketing Product Manager – Large Animals, says the orangutan population has decreased by about 80 per cent over three generations.
“The animals have seen their habitat shrink dramatically as the island’s rainforests are increasingly turned into oil palm, rubber or paper plantations, and are sometimes targeted by villagers who view them as pests.
“We are really pleased to be able to work with the Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation and help them in their fight. They understand what it takes to get things done, so we’re pitching in to help make that a reality and to support them so they can continue to do their important work.”
More from Norbrook Laboratories
- Norbrook giving away five MooCall calving sensors this Autumn
- Norbrook to launch Moxiclear for broad spectrum parasite and lungworm prevention and treatment in companion animals
- Norbrook supports Vets with Horsepower charity riders to raise over £75,000
- Norbrook to run 2,000 (GBP) Ritchie Draft Pro competition at UK summer shows
- Norbrook receives recognition for support of Borneo veterinary project
