By NICOLE VALICEK
JESSICA McKelson is passionate about the protection and conservation of large, quiet gentle apes also known as orangutans.
The wildlife warrior will attend the Cherry Lake Orangutan Walk on Sunday 27 October to raise funds and awareness for Earth 4 Orangutans, ‘Build a Sanctuary’ campaign.
The founder and director of Raw Wildlife Encounters and co-founder of Earth 4 Orangutans has just returned from six months in North Sumatra working for the Sumatra Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP), the place where injured orangutans are currently being cared for in cages.
The ‘Build a Sanctuary’ campaign will buy land to be developed as moated islands, so these orangutans, who through illness or disability cannot be released back into the wild, can live out the rest of their lives in their natural habitat, while also receiving the care they need to survive.
“The Orangutan Haven will be the first of its kind,” Ms McKelson said.
“Once developed, it is envisaged Orangutan Haven will become a top eco tourist attraction operating on visitation revenue.”
Ms McKelson said to date close to $300,000 had been raised for the Orangutan Haven.
“The goal is to raise up to 1.3 million dollars, to pay off the land as well as commence development.”
It is expected hundreds of people will turn out to support this worthy cause with their friends, families and four legged family members.
The Rotary Club Laverton/Point Cook will hold a sausage sizzle, Coffee Time will sell coffee and Sally’s Soap Shoppe will sell palm oil free soaps.
There will also be a raffle.
Jess will be on site to answer any questions about Earth 4 Orangutans and the ‘Build a Sanctuary’ campaign.
Earth 4 Orangutans merchandise will be on sale to help raise money for the cause.
