Letter from FTW Co-Founder, Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne

Dear Supporters,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your assistance in signing this petition to release Bua, the very sad and lonely gorilla girl in Pata Zoo, Thailand.

We’ve received numerous questions about the developments of Bua's potential release. I am very happy to let you know that we are now in conversation and negotiation with the owner of the zoo and he seems willing to find a solution. Furthermore, our wonderful co-founder, Cher, has written a personal letter to the Honourable Minister Varawut Silpa-Archa (Thailand Ministry of Natural Resources), requesting his urgent assistance for the rescue and release of Bua and the other primates kept at the zoo.

I can advise that things are looking very hopeful.

We are working with the Aspinall Foundation and they have a sanctuary ready for Bua in the Congo, where she will be free and in the wild and enjoy the company of her own kind. The sanctuary has the experience to look after Bua for the rest of her life. They have been running gorilla rescue in both the Republic of Congo and Gabon for over 35 years and released more than 70 gorillas during that time.

I can also advise that we have a rescue centre ready to accept the 3 Orangutans, the Bonobo and the smaller primates held at the zoo. The centre runs rescue and rehabilitation programmes and has veterinary assistance for all the animals in their care, making their centre an ideal home.

Please stay in contact with us for further updates, but for now, if you’ve not done so already, please sign Bua's petition and spread the message to get Bua and her fellow captive primates released from the 6th and 7th floors of Pata Zoo, based in the Pata department store in Bangkok. This is no place for any animal, let alone these magnificent, highly endangered and very intelligent apes.

Please don’t give up your support! We need all the assistance we can get - if you can afford to donate any sum, even $2, please donate to help our cause and prevent animals from suffering needlessly for human entertainment and labour.

With great appreciation for all your help.