Help Save Orangutans By Joining Orang Utan Republik’s Livestream Of The 7th Annual Pongo Environmental Awards Tomorrow At 6:00pm PST On World Animal News

The Orang Utan Republik Foundation (OURF) will be joined by actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. as they honor individuals for environmental achievement, activism, news, advocacy, and orangutan conservation at the 7th Annual Pongo Environmental Awards to be held virtually on Saturday, August 15th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm PST on WorldAnimalNews.com.

The evening raises funds for OURF to save critically endangered orangutans from extinction through education and is dedicated to honoring individuals, organizations, and projects that have contributed to the improved understanding and appreciation of orangutans, as well as other endangered species and their rainforest habitats.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we are conducting our conservation education programs in Indonesia. We also hope our supporters and the general public come to appreciate the challenges faced by organizations seeking to keep their programs funded,” OURF President and Co-Founder Dr. Gary Shapiro told WAN, noting that funds raised will support OURF’s field education programs to reduce conflict between local villagers and wildlife while improving their livelihood. “Bidding on an item during the silent auction or making an outright donation generates funds to ensure our field teams can continue their important work.”

The event’s silent auction is taking place now and will run until the close of the Livestream on August 15th. The silent auction bidding site can be found HERE!

The evening will also feature surprise celebrity appearances, live updates from Indonesia, music, and an online silent auction with unique and exclusive items. Registration for the event is through Givelively.org at https://tinyURL.com/Pongo2020

This year’s recipients of the 7th Annual Pongo Environmental Awards include:

• Jamartin Sihite and Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation for sustained achievements in rescuing, reintroducing, and conserving orangutans and their rainforest habitat in Central and East Kalimantan.

• Mongabay and Founder Rhett Butler for in-depth internet-based news on environmental issues, featuring extensive information on tropical rainforests.

• Farwiza Farhan and the Acehnese organization, HAkA, for championing vital legal advocacy, community rights, and conservation action in the Leuser Ecosystem.

• “If Not Us Then Who?“ and Founder Paul Redman for bringing awareness and advocacy to the role indigenous and local people play in protecting our planet.

• “Guardians of Life,” a short film starring Joaquin Phoenix, and writer, producer, and director Shaun Monson for creating a stunning cinematic call to action to save the planet.

Orangutans are only found in the wild on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in the countries of Indonesia and Malaysia (N. Borneo). Their population continues to decline due to the conversion of forest to agriculture, the illegal pet trade, being killed as pests or hunted, as well as habitat degradation from natural and human-caused activities. Sadly, all three species of orangutans are critically endangered throughout their home range in Borneo and Sumatra.

OURF, which also serves as the U.S. chapter of The Orangutan Project,  recently awarded 18 new Orangutan Caring Scholarships in May 2020 to students in North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).

Since the first scholarship was awarded in 2006, 190 have been given to deserving students in the fields of forestry, biology, and veterinary science. Over 100 have graduated.

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg