Did Your Candy Harm an Orangutan?

Norfolk, VA (OCT. 27, 2009) - Palm oil is now the second most popular edible oil. Viewed by many as a good alternative to trans-fats, it is found in candy, cookies, baked goods, shampoo, cosmetics, pet foods and even cleaning products.  And it is killing orangutans.

Palm oil trees grow only in tropical climates, so the rainforest habitats of orangutans and other species native to Borneo and Sumatra are being destroyed to create palm oil tree plantations. 

 “This habitat destruction is critically impacting an already endangered species,” says Greg Bockheim, executive director of the Virginia Zoo. Fire often is used to clear the forests, trapping and killing these magnificent, slow-moving apes. And, some farmers who view the orangutans as pests encroaching on their crops are killing them, too.

Palm oil is in so many products that it’s very difficult to avoid it completely. But the Virginia Zoo is joining other zoos and conservation programs to help raise awareness of the impact of palm oil on orangutans.   Zoos are encouraging consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases, to read labels and to choose palm oil free products when possible.

Examples of palm oil free candies include Fruit Rollups, plain and peanut M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers and Tootsie Rolls. (A more extensive list is attached).

To download a list of palm oil free products, click here.