February 22, 2006 – Los Angeles- The remaining populations of wild orangutans, humankind’s fourth closest primate relative, are facing extinction within the next 10- 20 years due to habitat destruction brought about by globalization and other factors.  For the past decade, orangutan organizations around the world have celebrated the endangered orangutan in a week of awareness-raising in early November of each year. This year will mark the first time International Orangutan Awareness Week (IOAW) will be adjusted to coincide with Orangutan Caring Week (November 12-18, 2006), an event first celebrated last November in Indonesia, home to the largest population of orangutans.

The dates for Orangutan Caring Week or “Pekan Peduli Orangutan” in the Indonesian language, were chosen earlier this year to insure that the celebration would not be in conflict with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Idul-Fitri. Following a poll by many of the participating orangutan organizations including the Orangutan Foundation, the Australian Orangutan Project, the Orangutan Conservancy, and the Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative, a democratic decision was made to realign IOAW in 2006 to coincide with Orangutan Caring Week.

Wild orangutans are found only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in the countries of Indonesia and Malaysia where the populations are predominately Muslim. Insuring that the week-long celebration enables the people of these countries to participate and become involved in the discussions and activities about the endangered orangutan is vital for the long-term survival of the species. Orangutan organizations in Indonesia plan to hold outreach activities in schools, universities, and in government facilities.  A major education conference and workshop regarding orangutans will be held in Sumatra during Orangutan Caring Week.