Red Ape Day at CMZoo celebrates orangutan conservation

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) invites guests to the Red Ape Rally Day on Wednesday, July 24, to celebrate orangutan conservation with activities for the whole family.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features experiences that raise awareness for orangutan conservation and palm oil sustainability:

• Build your own orangutan nest out of different materials
• Capture fun memories at the photo booth
• Create your own art at coloring stations
• Transform yourself at the face-painting station
• Play a palm oil grocery game where you will learn about shopping for products containing sustainable palm oil
• Watch special orangutan enrichment and a keeper talk at 1:30 p.m.

It is important to become aware of palm oil sustainability as it is closely linked to orangutan conservation. Palm oil, an edible oil, is found in about half of the products people purchase. Unsustainable oil production has led to deforestation across Southeast Asia and other tropical areas due to high demand. This deforestation endangers species like orangutans by causing habitat loss.

Boycotting palm oil isn’t the answer, as palm oil is the most productive edible oil available when produced sustainably. The oil palm tree produces four to 10 times more oil than alternatives such as soy, olive, canola, and coconut. Using these alternatives would lead to even greater deforestation in tropical regions.

Download the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ free mobile app, PalmOil Scan, from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Open the app, scan a product’s barcode, and see how the company ranks. If they haven’t committed to sustainable palm oil, consider supporting a similar company that has.

If shoppers worldwide choose products from companies that source only sustainable palm oil, they can create a demand that other companies must acknowledge. By working together and asking companies to use 100% physical RSPO-certified palm oil, they can reduce deforestation and aid endangered animals.

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