Conservation group Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) has condemned a local wedding magazine for displaying a critically endangered orangutan on the cover of its latest edition.
onservation group Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) has condemned a local wedding magazine for displaying a critically endangered orangutan on the cover of its latest edition.
Model and actress Luna Maya grazes the cover of Her World Brides Indonesia published on Oct 2 in a wedding gown with an orangutan by her side.
(4/6) @herworldbrides and @BimoPermadi as a media outlet and journalist should know better.#SaveOrangutans #OrangutanBukanMainan pic.twitter.com/qQLZJCfHYK
— BOS FOUNDATION (@bornean_OU) October 3, 2017
The non-profit organization lambasted the use of the orangutan and other wild animals in the photoshoot for the commercial magazine.
“This is very wrong. Orangutans must not be used to attract people to find profit,” BOSF chairman Jamartin Sihite told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
He also expressed regret that the Bali Zoo reportedly provided the orangutan for the photoshoot and that any documentation should only be for educational purposes and raising awareness to protect endangered species.
(3/6) Orangutans should never be used in this way and promoted as a pet or a toy. @thesanctoovilla #SaveOrangutans #OrangutanBukanMainan pic.twitter.com/1uXu37Yx0R
— BOS FOUNDATION (@bornean_OU) October 3, 2017
Jamartin also regretted the involvement of a public figure such as Luna, who has a large following on social media.
“What kind of message do they want to send to the public?” he added.
The organization also posted the cover on its Instagram account and expressed regret over the move. Following backlash, Luna deleted the photo from her own Instagram account.
Neither the magazine, Luna nor the Bali Zoo have responded to questions from the Post. (rin)
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