World Orangutan Day (Detail). Image: Bahmi Melur via Unsplash.
Recently, I visited Auckland Zoo, home to Bornean orangutans. Melur (36), her mate Charlie (43), their two-year-old son Bahmi, and the newest addition Daya (12) make up this remarkable whānau.
I was drawn to Melur and Daya as they groomed each other, unfazed by the crowd gathered just outside the glass. Watching young Bahmi attempt to steal their attention reminded me how intelligent and charismatic these great apes are.
I was happy to know that my admission helped support their conservation, so I was surprised when I noticed the zoo highlighting sustainably sourced palm oil as part of the orangutan exhibit.
Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
I’ve always associated palm oil with deforestation and habitat loss, particularly impacting species like orangutans. For years, I’ve tried to avoid products containing it, but perhaps the issue isn’t as straightforward as I once thought.
Bongoman, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why Palm Oil?
Palm oil is derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), native to West and Southwest Africa but now predominantly cultivated in Southeast Asia. Its chemical properties make it incredibly versatile: it’s semi-solid at room temperature, has a high melting point, and is resistant to oxidation, which means it can be used to extend the shelf life of food products. These qualities also make it a preferred ingredient in non-food items like soaps, shampoos, and even biofuels.
