I don’t want to see a world where orangutans have gone extinct. These gentle giants of the forests are not just incredibly intelligent and peaceful creatures but are also essential to the ecosystem of the rainforests in Southeast Asia where they reside. Unfortunately, the demand for palm oil is putting their survival at risk.

Palm oil, found in approximately 50% of packaged products in our supermarkets—ranging from snacks to cleaning products—is a leading cause of deforestation. Indonesia and Malaysia, the largest producers of palm oil, have cleared forests to establish vast plantations of this lucrative crop. The deforestation not only obliterates the natural habitat of orangutans but also exposes them to poachers and conflicts with humans.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a loss of this habitat has critically endangered the Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, with their population numbers plummeting dramatically over recent decades. If current trends continue, orangutans could face extinction in our lifetime. This is not something that can be allowed to happen.

We need to collectively advocate for responsible sourcing and utilization of palm oil. Industry giants must commit to more sustainable practices, such as obtaining palm oil that is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or considering alternative plant-based oils. At a governmental level, stronger policies and regulations must be enforced to prohibit illegal logging and to protect orangutan habitats.

Let's inspire change by pressuring companies and policymakers to prioritize the preservation of rainforests and the creatures that call them home. Sign this petition to urge businesses to take urgency in sourcing palm oil sustainably and governments to put conservation at the forefront of their agendas. Together, we can ensure that orangutans will continue to flourish in their natural environment for generations to come.

Sign the petition today and be a part of the solution that is critical to saving the orangutans.