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(Distantly) Monkey Monday

Please meet, Joyce, my foster orangutan.
 

About a month ago I was idly scrolling  through my Facebook feed and came across the story of an orangutan that had been rescued in Borneo. I read the story and followed up with a visit to the organization's site. When I got to International Animal Rescue, I found a number of stories of other orangutans that had also been rescued. The organization appeared legitimate and I decided I wanted to "adopt" an orangutan, too. I filled out the form, made a donation and honestly, figured I might never hear from her or the organization. But a few weeks ago my adoption packet arrived.

My cynicism was based on my first orangutan adoption almost twenty years ago. I had been visiting Borneo -- yes, to see the orangutans -- and adopted Rosie. Rosie didn't call and she didn't write. My adoption vanished into thin air. But now Joyce and I are connected. Joyce had been living with a human family for about a year. They initially acquired her from a man who was trying to trade her for gasoline for his motorbike. Tragically, this meant her mother had been killed. Deforestation is the biggest threat to orangutans. Once the forest is gone they are left without food or shelter.     


A few photographs from my trip to Borneo. Unfortunately my photographs of the orangutan sanctuary were lost to a battery mishap with my camera.
 
I hope Joyce and her orangutan friends will forgive my use of Monkey Monday, as it's only a distant relation. Orangutans are actually a species of great apes. They are highly intelligent and have many skills, including building tree nests where they sleep each night.
 
I know friends will ask about Pepe's reaction. He is thrilled to have a "sister" even though she is so far away, and I am happy to welcome Joyce to the Buttercupland family.
 
It's a perfect June day in New York today. I'm "trading" the gym for a long walk outside. Got to make the most of no-humidity days.
 
As ever, thanks for visiting and have a very happy Orangutan (Monkey) Monday.


8 comments

Mimi said...

And down here in the deep South, it's SO humid. But that is normal. We treasure those rare days with low humidity. So enjoy yours.

TARYTERRE said...

Joyce is a real sweetheart. I am so glad you and her have connected. I did not know you could adopt orangutans. I think it wonderful you did.

Mevely317 said...

I've wondered how one goes about vetting these international adoption sites. Glad to hear Joyce is the real-deal. (Ah, those eyes!)

Anonymous said...

Joyce is a sweetheart and I am so happy this adoption process is going well. I did not realize you had visited Borneo in the past. My older brother has always "lovingly" referred to me as "Monkey" due to me climbing out of my baby bed! Hope you have another fantastic weather day!

shortybear said...

beyond cute

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Who could not love that face. I am so glad that there are people out to help our animal life so that they don't disappear from this world.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Hope she is on Facebook.

Ida said...

What a wonderful thing you are doing. Joyce is just super cute.