While this story isn’t exactly close to home, it is close to our hearts! Orangutans are critically endangered yet are cruelly captured and kept as pets. Even as babies! This is Mingky’s story.
Mingky, a baby orangutan, was chained up between two buildings, held prisoner by a cruel owner. The reason why isn’t just shocking, it is heartbreaking. He was used as entertainment for the owner’s children. Mingky was chained up by his neck with only about two feet to move around.
Source: Funky Smile/YouTube
He had little contact with anyone. He was lucky to be fed fruit once a day. At Mingky’s age, he should’ve been surrounded by family, falling asleep in the arms of his mother. Instead, he was all alone and was forced to sleep on the cold concrete ground. He would put his own arms around himself and hug himself to sleep.
Source: Funky Smile/YouTube
People would see Mingky in this horrible state but no one did anything. They just “minded their own business.” These neighbors felt that interfering wasn’t their place so instead, Mingky remained, suffering.
This sad life went on for an entire year. Until finally, the Orangutan Information Centre (OIC) heard about Mingky. They contacted wildlife authorities telling them that Mingky was being held illegally. The wildlife authorities told OIC they could take custody of Mingky.
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The authorities and OIC went to pick up Mingky. He was finally cut him free from the short chain.
Despite holding Mingky illegally, his owner was still not arrested. How despicable! And because of the way Mingky was treated, he was antisocial and aggressive. He didn’t trust humans one bit. And who can blame him?!
Source: Funky Smile/YouTube
Now while living at the OIC sanctuary, Mingky is making tremendous strides. He’s beginning to understand that he is okay, that he will be fed daily, and that humans are no longer the enemy. He is being kept in a large enclosure with little human contact so he will be able to transition back into the wild one day.
Source: Funky Smile/YouTube
While it is frustrating that Mingky’s abusive owner wasn’t punished, we are happy to know that Mingky is now safe and will never live a cruel life like that again.
Source: Funky Smile/YouTube
Share Mingky’s story so we can continue to bring awareness to the plight of the orangutan. Watch the video below to learn more.
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