Pet trade puts orangutans at risk

[Coventina]

Source: BBC

The trade in Sumatran orangutans for pets shows little sign of decline and is taking the species to the brink of extinction, a report concludes.

Compiled by Traffic, the international wildlife trade monitoring network, it suggests that more orangutans are being traded than in previous decades.

The species is listed as critically endangered, with only about 7,000 left.

Traffic says Indonesian authorities need to pursue prosecutions and heavy penalties against illegal traders.

The Sumatran orangutan is protected under national laws and international conventions.


Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8000909.stm

[joeybee12]

1. I used to think that animals deserve the same rights as humans...I was wrong!

They deserve more!

[FloridaJudy]

2. I always have to question

What kind of nut adopts a wild animal as a pet? Sure, they're cute when they're infants, but eventually you're going to be sharing your home with an untameable beast, with all its instincts intact and none of the training that would allow it to survive in its original environment. Both sides suffer, but the animals get the short end - they can't just dump their owners on the street.

Actually, I would pay to see that! 'The house is mine, human scum! You're on your own now!'