The destruction of the Bornean rainforests is having a devastating consequences on Orangutans.
Their numbers are plummeting.
Experts claim that the population fell by 148,000 in 16 years between 1999 and 2015.
And to highlight their plight, working with International Animal Rescue, Brighton artist Amy Kelly-Miller has unveiled an incredible mural on the walls of a primary school.
“In recent weeks, fires have been raging through Borneo," the 27-year-old says.
"IAR’s team has been working flat out to fight the fires and keep rescued and wild orangutans safe. They are real heroes!
"They run the only orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centre in West Borneo.
"The team there is currently caring for more than 100 orangutans and working not only to rescue, rehabilitate and release the apes but also to protect and restore their precious rainforest habitat."
Amy's mural was also inspired by the story of Junai, who was shot and blinded in one eye but recently rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild by IAR.
The medical team who examined him found two bullets lodged in his skull directly behind his eyeball. It was a miracle that he was able to survive in such a condition.
After a month of treatment and recovery at IAR’s orangutan rehabilitation centre in Ketapang, Junai was deemed ready to go back to his natural habitat.
Uckfield-based International Animal Rescue contacted Amy after spotting a turtle mural she painted in Brighton's Bond Street and asked her if she would paint an orangutan to raise awareness of the plight of the critically endangered species.
Caroline Lucas, who visited the mural, said: "The destruction of the orangutans’ habitat is one of the world’s worst eco-crimes.
"But what gives me hope is the determination of groups like IAR to stop it and the support of children who understand the dangers facing our planet, whether it's from cutting down the rainforest or the burning of fossil fuels leading to the climate crisis, and are rising up to protect it."
Phily Kennington of IAR said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Amy on an orangutan mural in Brighton.
“Orangutans are critically endangered and the time to take action to protect them is now. If we don’t do something, we risk losing them forever.
“We hope the mural will raise awareness of this amazing Great Ape and our efforts in Indonesia to save the species from extinction.
"We’re extremely grateful to Middle Street Primary School for providing the site.
"We can already see that the mural is going to be incredibly eye-catching and provide a talking point for all who see it. We hope it will start a conversation and inspire people to join us as we work to save orangutans and safeguard their future in the rainforest.”
To see more of Amy’s artwork visit her Instagram page @amy.kellymiller_art . The art supplies for this project were from Zieler Art Supplies.
