Today a Jungle VIP Auction launches in support of the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS). Sumatran orangutans are in dire need of help and without urgent action could be the first Great Ape species to become extinct. The Jungle VIP Auction launches at www.ebay.co.uk/JungleVIP
Sharing 96.4 per cent of our DNA orangutans are among our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom and are the only red ape.
The number of Sumatran orangutans is estimated to have fallen by more than 90 per cent since 1900 with only around 6,600 now left in the wild. The Sumatran Orangutan Society is dedicated to protecting orangutans and their habitat through rainforest restoration, community-led conservation, education and campaigning.
Orangutans are the ultimate ‘Jungle VIPs' - they play a key role in rainforest regeneration and are a fantastic flagship species. By helping them we help countless other species including critically endangered tigers, elephants and rhinos.
Well-known red-heads including Nicole Kidman, Newton Faulkner, Geri Halliwell, Radiohead, Anne Robinson, Mick Hucknall, Nicola Roberts (pictured below) and Steve Davis are taking part in the Jungle VIP Auction.
Items donated will be auctioned via www.ebay.co.uk/JungleVIP between 1 March - 11 March 2012. Members of the public are also being asked to sell their own items via the auction throughout March, all proceeds to the Sumatran Orangutan Society.
Auction lots include the iconic ruffled shirt worn by comedian Tim Minchin for his Ready For This? world tour, a Kruszynska evening gown worn by British actress Jane Asher and the dress worn by Nicola Roberts at Kimberley Walsh's 30th birthday party. You can also bid for dinner and an overnight stay for two at Chris Evans' pub The Mulberry Inn, song lyrics handwritten by Newton Faulkner, signed limited edition Radiohead artwork, and a Moulin Rouge poster signed by Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman.
Helen Buckland, UK Director of SOS said: ‘It is simply unthinkable that we could let this species disappear. As well as raising vital funds for our work, the Jungle VIP Auction is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Sumatra and its spectacular wildlife. The Sumatran Orangutan Society is incredibly lucky to have such great celebrities supporting the cause. Please join them - you can bid, sell or buy the t-shirt via www.junglevip.org. Or make a donation - any amount really will make a difference.'
The ‘96.4% Orangutan' t-shirt is available via www.junglevip.org priced from £12, all proceeds to the Sumatran Orangutan Society. Donations can also be made via this site.
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