The Cruelty behind Orangutan Boxing

04/04/2016

Dressed in shorts and boxing gloves, orangutans are forced to fight each other in pretend boxing matches as an attraction spectacle for visitors.

What is behind these boxing events is heart-breaking. The orangutans are usually taken from the wild when they are just babies after their mothers have been killed. Caged, beaten and starved, the orangutans are then bullied into performing.

The orangutans are forced to take part in these appalling mock boxing matches day after day, throwing pretend punches and kicks at each other for about 30 minutes each time. Sadly all the tourists see are orangutans at play, not understanding the pain involved.

As part of our work to help animals used in the entertainment industry, we are supporting our partner the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) to create a sanctuary for rescued orangutans who have endured this type of cruelty.

BOSF have rescued over 2,000 orangutans and currently provide care and rehabilitations for approximately 700. Sadly, many of the orangutans are too damaged from abuse that they will never be able to return to the wild.

See how you can help