Campaign Launch

On 17th August 2009, Melbourne Zoo launched a campaign to help save the lives of orang-utans in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Zoos SA along with Perth Zoo have joined Melbourne Zoo as partners in this campaign.

The 'Don't Palm Us Off' campaign aims to gain community support for legislative change to this labelling legislation.

Making it mandatory to list palm oil on labels would enable consumers to make an informed choice about which products they want to buy.

In addition to reducing demand for unsustainable palm oil production that is devastating orang-utan habitat, the Zoos' campaign also aims to increase consumer demand for sustainable palm oil which is produced without harm to wildlife.

Zoos SA is asking members of the community to join the campaign by filling out a 'Don't Palm Us Off' postcard at the Zoo or signing the petition online.

All signatures and postcards will be included in the petition that Zoos SA will submit to the authorities, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand.

Ambassadors of the program include:

• Kim Watkins host of Channel Ten's 9am with Kim and David, she is also a passionate advocate for palm oil labeling and has been responsible for alerting Australian audiences to the plight of the Orang-utan in the wild.
• Claire Hooper is one of the stars of Good News Week as well as a renowned comedian, she has joined forces with Zoos Victoria for this very serious cause.
• As co-host of Channel 9's Saturday morning kids show, Kids WB, Heidi Valkenburg is a godsend to many parents - she is also a passionate advocate for our campaign.