As someone deeply moved by the plight of orangutans, it is heartbreaking to witness these intelligent creatures, native to the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, confined in concrete cells at our National Zoo. The current living conditions starkly contrast their natural habitats on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It is completely unethical and is an animal abuse offense.

Orangutans are intelligent beings who live an arboreal existence. In nature, they spend most of their time in trees, foraging for food, and building nests. However, within the confines of concrete pens at our zoo, they are denied this natural behavior leading to stress and depression. The facilities are grossly inadequate with a severe lack of artifacts and space for mental stimulation and social exploration.

It is not enough to have the O-line, the suspended cable track, as an imitation of trees, branches, and vines. It is also unacceptable to have such small enclosures without access to sunlight, and without a sufficient amount of natural foliage and air. The outdoor enclosure for the orangutans is small and does not have any trees or natural elements to even attempt to resemble their natural habitat. 

So then, we would like to urge the National Zoo in Washington DC to create open-air exhibits that mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. This change will not only improve their quality of life but also provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about these animals' lives in a more authentic setting. We demand this not only of the orangutan exhibit but of all the primate exhibits at the Zoo, including the gorillas, siamangs, and swamp monkeys.

We believe that zoos have a responsibility towards ensuring animal welfare while educating people about wildlife conservation. The renowned Smithsonian Institution must be held to a greater standard than this. Let's make this change together - sign this petition today!