The Malaysian proposal to give away orangutans to countries that buy palm oil is, to say the least, absurd, inhumane, inconsistent and dangerous. Transferring these animals to new ecosystems represents a serious risk, furthermore relegating them to a life in captivity in zoos (because this ultimately would be) is ethically reprehensible
There Malaysia recently announced a proposal as unusual as it is absurd, in an attempt to improve its international reputation regarding palm oil production: give away orangutans to purchasing countries of this product. An absolutely questionable way of approaching the problem.
However, the Malaysian Minister of Plantations and Raw Materials, Johari Abdul Ghani, is convinced that this strategy is a way to demonstrate the country’s commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and wild species. Obviously this move was greeted with a series of criticisms and doubts regarding its real effectiveness (as well as its truly unethical nature).
First of all, we must consider the environmental context in which this initiative is inserted. Palm oil, Malaysia’s main product, is notoriously associated with deforestation and destruction of natural habitats, which have a devastating impact on wildlife, including orangutans. Thus, offering orangutans as “diplomatic gifts” is a contradiction in terms, as it does not directly address the causes of deforestation and habitat loss.
Furthermore, the proposal is ethically questionable. Animals should not be treated as political or economic instruments, but as individuals with rights and dignity.
Beyond these considerations, there is also doubt about the real effectiveness of this idea in achieving the declared objectives. What’s the point of taking a wild animal and moving it from its natural habitat to another country?
This is clearly an absurd and inconsistent idea which, contrary to what he claims, fuels the exploitation of wildlife. In fact, transferring orangutans to foreign ecosystems represents a significant risk that threatens the ecological balance and jeopardizes the very survival of these creatures.
Not only is it an act of environmental irresponsibility, but it is also ethically reprehensible, where will the donated orangutans end up? Obviously in zoos or, at best, in wild animal shelters.
Malaysia should instead focus on conserving the natural habitats of orangutans and fighting deforestation, because this is the only truly acceptable and scientifically valid solution to guarantee the future of this species and safeguard biodiversity.
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Source: Guardian
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