Six orangutans live in two family groups at Auckland Zoo. Photo / Doug Sherring
Six orangutans live in two family groups at Auckland Zoo. Photo / Doug Sherring
Auckland Zoo visitors are racing to save orangutans from extinction.
Zoe Firth, the zoo's public programme co-ordinator, is inviting the public to take part in the Great Ace Race this Thursday evening.
All money raised from the event will go to the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund to help protect thecritically endangered orangutan populations in the wild.
The race is open to teams of between two and four, and includes an "oranguteering" navigation course. Firth encouraged people to support the race, which begins with registration at 5.30pm.
"There's not many [orangutans] left and their rainforests are disappearing. Not to mention that they're a really fun animal," she said.
Auckland Zoo is home to six orangutans, which live in two family groups. The zoo's Orangutan Caring Week, which started yesterday, includes daily encounters at 12.30pm.
