Smoking ban for Orangutan
Photo: COP
Zookeepers in Indonesia are determined to help Tori the orang-utan overcome her decade-long smoking addiction.
Tori picked up the habit ten years ago by imitating zoo visitors, who would throw their cigarette butts into her open cage, and has been smoking ever since. She is said to hold up two fingers to her mouth to show that she wants a cigarette and grows angry and throws things if none are to hand.
Keepers at Taru Jurug zoo in Solo have tried luring the ape away with food and extinguishing cigarette butts with water, but with little success. Now, with help from the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) from Borneo, there are plans afoot to move Tori and her partner to a small island on the premisses by August.
It is hoped the large trees, rope swings and views over the facility will help Tori forget her addiction. Until then, extra volunteers from the centre are guarding her cage and mesh netting will be installed to prevent visitors throwing in cigarettes.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
