Orangutans and palm oil

[cassiesmom]

This issue was mentioned in the member newsletter of our local zoo (Brookfield Zoo), which my mom and dad get because they have a senior membership. I didn't know anything about this till I read the article. This is an Australian Web site but it explains the problem. The article in the zoo magazine listed some products that contain palm oil and also mentioned that the zoo gift shop will now carry some palm oil-free lotions.

http://www.orangutan.org.au/palm-oil

[Karen]

How sad! As someone who reads all ingredient labels, I'll keep an eye out for palm oil and avoid it when possible, though with my allergies to olive, canola, sunflower and coconut oil, it will be difficult.

[Karen]

The article is a bit odd in some of its science, as some of the claims about CO2 emissions leave out some whole countries, apparently, and of course it is all Australia-based info, but I am sure the underlying fact - that habitat destruction is a real and imminent danger for the precious great apes - is what is most important.