Thomas TanSime Darby Oils (SDO), the downstream division of Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, announced the official adoption of a Malayan tiger and two Sumatran orangutans, both officially critically endangered species, via the Zoo Negara’s Wildlife Sponsorship programme.
During the adoption certificate presentation held recently, SDO presented a cash contribution of RM65,000 to Zoo Negara that will be utilized to maintain the well-being of the adopted animals for a period of one year.
“These wondrous animals are very close to our hearts. We need to care for them, even when they are in captivity and not in their natural habitat. Under the good care of our National Zoo, we can help to keep them healthy with the hope that they can continue to breed safely and thrive in the future,’ said SDO managing director Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad.
“This adoption is a part of our wider CSR initiatives, where we will also be involved in a list of exciting activities on the ground by Zoo Negara that will benefit young Malaysians. Sime Darby Oils is certainly thrilled to be a part of these programmes,” he added.
The sponsorship will cover all costs for the animals’ food supply, veterinary care and upkeep of the adopted animals throughout a one-year period, as well as various activities run by Zoo Negara such as a 1-night stay ‘Zoo Camp’ for children aged 6 and above to experience nocturnal animals, up-close sessions with Zoo Negara keepers for pre-schoolers, primary and secondary students, and a Zoo Negara Research programme for college students to conduct their research on the Zoo, its employees and the animals under its care.
Following the Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed by the government, Zoo Negara’s operating costs were greatly affected due to lack of donations and ticket sales. It had then appealed to the public for financial support for all the animals under its care through an “Adopt an Animal” campaign.
“We believe it is important for fellow Malaysians to support Zoo Negara’s “Adopt an Animal” campaign because the zoo is not just an avenue for the general public to see and appreciate various wildlife in close proximity, it is also a platform to raise awareness on the importance of endangered species conservation efforts,” said Mohd Haris.
Sime Darby Oils is a subsidiary of Sime Darby Plantation (SDP), the world’s largest producer of certified sustainable palm oil.
“At Sime Darby Plantation, we go to great lengths to ensure that the natural habitats of endangered animals surrounding our plantations are well conserved and protected. We want to play our part in supporting this important initiative by Zoo Negara because it aligns with our intention of raising awareness among Malaysians, especially the younger generation, on the importance of a sustainable and responsible oil palm cultivation which supports conservation efforts of endangered wildlife,” said Mohd Haris.
In partnership with Yayasan Sime Darby, SDP has been involved in and supported over 20 various projects and invested RM153 million in the conservation and protection of biodiversity through forest rehabilitations. These include projects such as the restoration of 5,400 hectares of degraded forest and orangutan habitat in Ulu Segama, Sabah, as well as the conservation efforts of Malayan tiger, proboscis monkey, Sunda clouded leopard, Malaysian elephant, Bornean sun bear and hornbill.
Rosly@Rahmat said the contribution from Sime Darby Oils will benefit the adopted Malayan tiger and Sumatran orangutans greatly.
“We hope this adoption will raise awareness and encourage the public to participate in our ‘Adopt an Animal’ campaign to help safeguard the wellbeing of the animals here at Zoo Negara. We look forward to the partnership with Sime Darby Oils as we foster greater interest in the conservation and protection of wildlife, especially among the younger generation,” he said.
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