Orangutans

Charles Wallace’s article on the illegal trade of animals in Thailand (“A Wildlife Smuggler’s Paradise,” Column One, Oct. 20) accurately described the problems facing endangered primates throughout Southeast Asia. However, towards the end of the article he stated that four of the “Bangkok Six” had died following their return to Indonesia. Actually, two of the orangutans died as a result of static pneumonia, brought on by the effects of the unseasonably wet and cool June weather in Borneo on the weakened conditions of the animals. The death of these two orphaned apes only underscores the tremendous death toll faced by this endangered species.

Not mentioned in the article is the incredible pet trade in Taiwan that has probably been responsible for the deaths of nearly one-third of all the orangutans in Borneo over the last two to five years. Based on reliable sources, the Orangutan Foundation estimates that nearly 3,500 orangutans were smuggled into Taiwan. Most of these orangutans died as a result of being smuggled in during the winter and in terrible conditions. Perhaps 10,000-20,000 more may have died as the result of their capture, handling and transport. The Orangutan Foundation now faces the difficult chore of repatriating hundreds of these remaining orangutans from Taiwan to Malaysia and Indonesia. The first group of 11 orangutans are slated to return to Indonesia late this month.

GARY L. SHAPIRO

Vice President and Treasurer

Orangutan Foundation, Los Angeles