Palm Oil

What is palm oil?

Palm oil is produced from the fruit of the African oil palm tree. Due to its versatility, it is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world. It might be used to extend a product’s shelf life, give it a spreadable texture, or keep it crunchy and crispy. It is found in over half of our household products from snack foods and cosmetics to pet treats and cleaning solutions.

 

Why does this matter?

African oil palms have been introduced to other tropical areas with nutrient-rich soils like Indonesia, Malaysia, and South America. Huge swaths of rainforest in these regions have been destroyed to make room for large oil palm plantations. These tropical forests are home to significant biodiversity, including endangered species like orangutans, clouded leopards, and Sumatran tigers.

What can YOU do?

• Shop sustainable! Look for the RSPO or orangutan-friendly logos on your favorite products or download the PalmOil Scan mobile app to help you quickly identify products made by companies that have committed to sustainable practices.
• Spread the word to friends and family! Many people are not aware of the link between their shopping carts and wildlife around the world. Posting photos of your Zoo visit or shopping trip on social media and sharing content from Zoo Atlanta are easy ways to let people know that wildlife needs our help.

Why not just boycott palm oil?

The impact of palm oil production on wildlife is a matter of how it is produced. Oil palms are productive crops, resulting in 4-10 times more oil per acre than other oil crops like soy or canola. If producers switched to one of these other crops, it would likely result in even more habitat loss. By encouraging companies to use sustainable palm oil, we can help ensure healthy habitats for many species of wildlife and safe working conditions for millions of people.

What is Zoo Atlanta doing?

• Zoo Atlanta is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil™ (RSPO) , a global partnership working to transform the palm oil industry to make it sustainable.
• Zoo Atlanta is a member of the AZA Orangutan SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program. Through this collaborative network, we work with other zoos to protect and restore orangutan populations and their habitats through public engagement, funding, and field work.
• Zoo Atlanta provides opportunities for guests to learn about and connect with a variety of species whose natural habitats are in palm oil production hotspots.[MK2] [SH3]  These include Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tigers, binturongs, Malayan sun bears, clouded leopards, and many others.
• Zoo Atlanta is a proud partner of the Ape Conservation Effort (ACE), and we work daily to raise awareness of the plight of orangutans and other wildlife facing population declines in Southeast Asia.