Traffic Report

A shocking new report says more orangutans are being traded as pets now than in the 1970s. The reason is that police are not charging people who get caught, so there’s no reason for them to stop, according to TRAFFIC, which tracks illegal wildlife trade.

“Indonesia has adequate laws but, without serious penalties, this illegal trade will continue and these species will continue to spiral towards extinction,” says TRAFFIC’s Chris R. Shepherd.

About 2,000 orangutans have been confiscated or turned in by private owners in Indonesia in 30 years. Remember, there are just 8,000 orangutans left in Sumatra. It’s about time Indonesia got serious and punished law-breakers who subject tree-dwelling apes to a cruel and solitary life in a cage.