After the launch of our SSDB project, our K1 children were engaged in investigating the characteristics and habitats of orangutans and why they are at risk of extinction. They learnt that orangutans live in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The main reason they are threatened with extinction is the destruction of their forest habitats. This is due to human activities such as intense legal or illegal logging, conversion of forests to palm oil plantations, clearing forests for settlements and road constructions. The illegal animal trade is another factor for the decline of the wild orangutan population. Fortunately, there are organisations that specialise in protecting the existing population of orangutans through conservation efforts such as rehabilitating those that have been illegally kept as pets. They also work to educate the public on animal welfare and sustainable development.
Orangutans play an important role in the forest ecosystem. They eat hundreds of different types of fruits. The seeds they dispersed after eating help in the growth of new trees. They also make new nests to sleep every night, breaking branches and allowing light through the thick canopy onto the forest floor, helping young plants to thrive and grow.
The bond between an orangutan mother and her young is one of the strongest in nature. The mother stays with their young for six to eight years, teaching them where to find food, what to eat, how to avoid predators and the technique for building a sleeping nest. Our children learnt to appreciate the love and care of their parents and the many things they have been taught. We also engaged children in building “orangutan nests” using recycled materials. In the process, they learnt the importance of teamwork, cooperation and perseverance in carrying out their tasks. They also expressed their concern for deforestation which destroys the habitats of orangutans by creating banners to spread the message of “Stop Deforestation, Protect Wildlife”. They learnt that saving paper in their daily lives is one of the little things they could do to help save the forests as paper is made of wood. Every effort counts, none too small!
