Click on the link to watch this fantastic video of the San Diego Zoo’s head primate keeper Juan Carlos Fernandez — with the lovely Janey the Orangutan & friends– explaining why Great Apes are endangered.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/zoo_ape_week.html

Facing Daily Threats in the Wild

Gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans are on the brink of extinction. Researchers estimate some species may be decimated within a decade if trends of rampant poaching and deforestation continue. The San Diego Zoo is working to raise public awareness about the animals’ plight for survival during Great Ape Awareness Days.

Each day, the Zoo’s three great ape species—gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans—are spotlighted with animal enrichment sessions at their habitats, followed by presentations about issues affecting great apes, such as the bushmeat crisis and habitat loss due to illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming practices, and the removal of rain forests for palm oil plantations in Indonesia.

Special graphic panels at each great ape enclosure feature photos and information about conservation efforts and ways people can help. You may learn how cellular phone manufacturing has contributed to the widespread demise of gorillas in Central Africa and how simply recycling old cellular phones can make a difference. Responsible consumerism of sustainable wood products and food, soaps, and cosmetics containing palm oil are addressed as well.

Special Speaker: Biruté Galdikas

Longtime orangutan researcher Biruté Galdikas, Ph.D., will give a fascinating presentation called “Orangutan Conservation: What Makes Them So Special and Why Should We Save Them?”about her experiences in Borneo. As founder of Orangutan Foundation International, Dr. Galdikas is an expert on these remarkable red apes and the challenges they face in their natural habitat. She will be available after the talk to sign her new book, Great Ape Odyssey, available for sale that evening. The book is also available online at shopzoo.com.

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Where: Otto Center Auditorium at the San Diego Zoo
Time: 7 to 8 p.m., with light refreshments served from 8 to 8:45 p.m.
Cost: $17 for members, $20 for nonmembers

This event is open to members and nonmembers, ages 12 and up (children 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a paid adult). Reserve your place at this memorable presentation by calling 619-557-3963.

Online Auction

Do your bidding! Our online auction will have unique ape-themed items up for grabs, including paintings by San Diego Zoo bonobos, handcrafted African wood carvings of gorillas, a Masai painting, a Shona sculpture, and special behind-the-scenes tours. The auction will open on Friday, November 7, at noon (PST) and close on Monday, November 17, at 5 p.m.
A Special Morning with Apes and Omelets

This exclusive event is the fulfillment of an ape lover’s heart’s desire. Enter the San Diego Zoo before it opens and join the orangutans, gorillas, and several of their keepers with an intimate group of guests (maximum registration for this event is 14 people!). The keepers will engage you with tales of the great ape families at the Zoo. Then a deluxe breakfast awaits you with your fill of made-to-order omelets and more details on the great apes at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and our conservation efforts.

Date: Saturday January 24, 2009
Where: San Diego Zoo
Reservations: (619) 557-3915
Cost: $750 per person