Indonesian Primate Day 2015: Don’t Buy Primates!

Across Indonesia (Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Bali and the Mentawai Islands) there are 46 primate species (61 subspecies), of which 23 have been recorded in Tropical Peat-swamp Forests (TPSF), the habitat where OuTrop works. Almost all of these species, from orangutans and gibbons to macaques, are targeted for the illegal pet trade occurring both within Indonesia and abroad.

The general public need to understand that primates should not be kept as pets. Also, they must be reminded that the hobby of keeping primates as pets is driving these animals to the brink of extinction. Remember: Every buyer and owner of primates will contribute to their extinction!

January 30th is Indonesian Primate Day. This is the 2nd year this initiative has been championed by Profauna (Protection of Forest & Fauna (PROFAUNA) Indonesia www.profauna.net). The theme for 2015 is ‘Don’t Buy Primates’ with the aim of raising awareness of the impacts of the pet trade on primates.

This campaign will be in both English and Indonesian so whatever language you speak you can help raise awareness. Join in and show your support for this campaign with the hashtag #HariPrimata2015 (primate day 2015).

Take a selfie with a sign showing your support for this campaign: hold up a sign saying ‘Don’t Buy Primates’ and post this to your social media. Include the hashtag and follow OuTrop and Profauna who will be posting about this important day across social media.

Jangan beli primata (Don’t buy primates). Image by ProFauna