It is excellent news indeed that the illegally smuggled-in orangutans are being repatriated to Sumatra, the place of their origin. It shows the government is committed towards the battle against illegal wildlife trade.

But aside from just confiscating the smuggled animals and having them return home, what about tackling the source of the problem?

Why is it that the establishments that were in possession of these illegally-acquired highly- endangered animals have not been prosecuted?

Surely without punishing them, there is little to deter them from acquiring a further seven orangutans to replace the lost stars of their shows?