Written by Lisa Browning
I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contained,
I stand and look at them long and long.
They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins …
~ Walt Whitman
I first read this poem when I was in high school, and the words have always stuck with me … but never more strongly than now. In today’s difficult world, with so much hatred, fear, and discontent, my back garden is my go-to place, to maintain my sanity as I sit in quiet reflection. The birds, squirrels and chipmunks that share the gardens with me are a source of calm and peace.
I am fiercely protective of animals, and I am blessed to be able to publish books in support of shelters and rescue operations, and in so doing, get to know the amazing people who do this work.
Patty Cuthbert is one such individual. I first met Patty at my World Animal Day market last year, where I learned about her work with International Animal Rescue’s Orangutan Project.
With absolutely no experience at fundraising or raising awareness, Patty started with small initiatives like yard sales, raffles, an annual Orangutan Pub Night, and a jewelry collection that she curated with the support of local women and artists. 100% of proceeds go directly to IAR’s Orangutan Project.
After hearing about this project, I also wanted to help … and in June of this year, I had the distinct pleasure of publishing a colouring book in support of it. (Colouring books are one of the new products I offer through Saplings, the children’s book branch of One Thousand Trees … a very inexpensive way to raise money for worthy causes. And who doesn’t love a good colouring book?!) It is available for purchase from my online bookstore, and 100% of net proceeds go directly towards IAR’s Orangutan Project.
Patty wrote an article about this project in the Summer issue of Our Sentient Friends, which can also be accessed on my website. Because Patty was away as I put together this article, I’ve organized some excerpts from that article, as response to my questions …
What is International Animal Rescue?
In the rainforests of Borneo, International Animal Rescue is leading a life-saving mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rewild some of the world’s last remaining orangutans. Every orangutan they save has its own story, often found orphaned, injured, or traumatized after being taken from the wild or displaced by industrial scale deforestation.
IAR’s team of vets and carers give these vulnerable animals a second chance: nurturing them back to health, teaching them survival skills in a purpose-built rehabilitation centre, and when they’re ready, releasing them into protected rainforest habitats where they can thrive.
This is one of the most impactful orangutan rescue programmes in the world. It’s not just about saving individuals, it’s about rebuilding wild populations and protecting the future of a critically endangered species and its threatened rain forest home.
How did you first become involved with them?
Roughly ten years ago I came across a story of a baby orangutan named Gito, who was less than five months old when he was rescued by International Animal Rescue from a filthy cardboard box in 2015. He was orphaned and had been dumped out in the sun of West Borneo and left to die. I was so moved and needed to know more. I dug deeper and discovered the story of the critically endangered orangutan, it was both shocking and compelling.
Why is this work so important to you?
While I fundraise and raise awareness to support the rescue and rehabilitation of these suffering animals, this is actually about a much broader situation that touches all of us. This is about our planet; it’s about consumer driven deforestation, the annihilation of thousands of species of wildlife, climate change and ultimately our own lives. When I knew I had to try and help in some way, I called it my orangutan calling.
And in closing, a shout-out to Guelph!
Patty told me that none of her fundraising initiatives would be possible without the continued support of her community, stating that the people of Guelph and surrounding cities really shine when it comes to compassion and generosity. It is one of the reasons why I am so grateful to live and work here!
