Dear Friends of the Orangutan,

It�s finally here! The long-anticipated series of Orangutan Diary WILL air next week, 2nd through 6th April on BBC1 at 7pm nightly. (Also airing Worldwide on Animal Planet---check your local listings).

http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/newsletter/orangutan_diaries.html
BOS UK was able to get a sneak preview, and without giving away too much, we can tell you that you are going to love it! Grendon, Lomon and Kesi all feature prominently along with a few new characters you will meet along the way. The series is presented by BOS patrons Steve Leonard and Michaela Strachan, who will introduce you to the Nyaru Menteng Project and the work of the BOS team in Borneo. Please tune in, and tell all your friends. Suitable for all ages. If you like what you see, please let BBC know�we are hopeful that with the positive viewer response we anticipate that we will be commissioned to begin shooting a second series, allowing us to bring the issues facing orangutans and the rainforest to an ever-growing audience.
You can send your comments to the BBC at this location
or email to Points of View at pov@bbc.co.uk.
We would also welcome your feedback info@savetheorangutan.co.uk.

Each day before the programme, a new video clip featuring new angles on the orangutans will become available. You can simply download and watch, or subscribe to receive automatic podcast updates. For full instructions:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/orangutandiary/about.shtml
Michaela Strachan, BOS patron and presenter of Orangutan Diary, has arrived in the UK (she now resides in South Africa) in order to help promote the Orangutan Diary series and the work of the BOS Nyaru Menteng Project. Already she has done interviews with a number of national newspapers and magazines, as well as radio stations, and you can look out for her on BBC Breakfast on Monday 2nd April.

Michaela says, "I am delighted to be a part of BOS. It is such a fantastic charity and I have so much admiration for Lone and her team who work so hard and tirelessly for all the orphans. The plight of the orangutan is at a critical stage. We can not be complacent. The species� only hope is dedicated people like Lone and BOS. Not only does the charity rescue so many desperate individuals but it also does vital work to protect what forest is left and to stop the continuing destruction of the orangutan�s home. How can any of us watch an animal like an orangutan disappear? We simply can't let that happen"

"To be a part of the work BOS does was a privilege. Going to Borneo and getting involved with all the orphans was an amazing experience. Getting to know characters like Lomon, Kesi and Grendon was uplifting and meeting Lone was inspiring. Saving the orangutan is an uphill struggle but BOS takes a few steps up that hill every single day. With support, the orangutan CAN be saved. Without, we can say goodbye to another incredible species. Watching orangutans become extinct surely is not an option."

BOS is grateful for the generous praise and support we receive from Michaela. Read more about Orangutan Diary and Michaela at www.savetheorangutan.co.uk.

Steve Leonard, BOS patron and presenter of Orangutan Diary, has finished up his UK lecture series to enthralled audiences across the nation. BOS UK had an opportunity to meet up with Steve and see his presentation in Brecon and were delighted with the sincerity with which Steve described his experience at the BOS Nyaru Menteng Project.

His self-deprecating humour and friendly manner make the audience feel like they are with an old friend, but his message for conservation is undeniably strong. We hope we can persuade Steve to do more presentations in the future. Steve says: "BOS is doing such important work, I was amazed at the dedication and hard work of all the staff. Time is running out for orangutans--the time for action is now."
You can read more from Steve at these links:
http://www.savetheorangutan.co.uk/?p=285
www.steveleonard.co.uk

ADOPT A CELEBRITY
It�s true�you can adopt your own celebrity (orangutan, that is!) The stars of Orangutan Diary, Grendon, Lomon and Kesi are all available for adoption.

Tune into Orangutan Diary on BBC1, 7pm, 2nd-6th April and meet them. We are sure you will find them irresistible! Find out more about adoptions by visiting www.savetheorangutan.co.uk.


Michelle Desilets
Director
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation UK
"Primates Helping Primates"
www.savetheorangutan.org.uk