Knowledge obtains meaning only when combined with action. With science’s recognition that humans and other animals share comparable minds and emotions, we are compelled to translate this knowledge to ethics and everyday living. We call this lived experience trans-species living. Every month we feature an example of people and animals living together that illustrates trans-species living.
Please contact us if you have a specific question or topic you would like us to feature and explore.
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This month in Trans-species Living, we are honored to feature an interview with Madison Vorva and Rhiannon Tomtishen. For over three years, they have worked to save Orangutans in peril. In Fall, 2006, as 6th graders of Greenhills School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Rhiannon and Madi founded Project O.R.A.N.G.S (Orangutans Really Appreciate And Need Girl Scouts) in dedication to Asia’s Great Ape.
Their investigations into orangutans for a Girl Scout project has led to a momentous movement for change that has attracted national attention. Their current goal is to remove all palm oil from all Girl Scout Cookies across the U.S.A., because palm oil is grown on rainforest lands cleared for plantations.
Here they share experiences of their trans-species journey—the challenges and goals involved in their commitment to stop deforestation in Borneo and Sumatra and support self-determination of both indigenous human and indigenous nonhuman apes. Madi and Rhiannon bring attention to how intimately connected we all are on this planet, no matter if separated by thousands of miles. In their reflections on what trans-species living means to them, Rhiannon and Madison raise serious questions about pivotal issues such as to the true meaning of “sustainable living” and how we each can make change in the world for good to save our animal kin.
An interview with Madison Vorva and Rhiannon Tomtishen
Regional Roots and Shoots Youth Summit in Chicago.
How did Project O.R.A.N.G.S. begin?
We decided to work together to earn our Girl Scout Bronze Award—an award that requires the individual to raise awareness throughout their community about an issue they are passionate about. Both of us were interested in saving an endangered animal, and after doing research we decided to focus on the orangutan. Dr. Jane Goodall had always been a hero of ours for her work with chimpanzees and for her work in the scientific field as a woman. While we saw a lot of work being done to protect the Great Apes in Africa, we saw a need for awareness to be spread about the Great Ape of Southeast Asia, the orangutan.
While working on our project we learned that Girl Scout cookies contain palm oil, an ingredient that results in the deforestation of the orangutans' habitat. We chose to make removing palm oil from Girl Scout cookies a main focus of our project and have launched several campaigns to encourage the Girl Scouts to chose a healthier, more environmentally-friendly oil to use in their products.
We have been in contact with the National Girl Scout Headquarters and have been trying to talk with them. We had a brief conference call with them in late September and haven’t had much contact with them since. We are really hoping that they will give us a chance to present to them and listen to our cause so the Girl Scouts, a great organization can become even better. We have met with our Regional Girl Scouts and representatives from Little Brownie Bakers (one of the cookie’s bakers) and we will hopefully be meeting with them again soon!
Throughout the past four years we have continued to raise awareness by educating youth groups throughout our community about the orangutan and what they could do to help as well as raising money for orangutan conservation. We have some projects going to show the Girl Scouts that people care about this important issue and would like to see it resolved. Some of the projects we have planned are a letter writing campaign, a petition and a boycott suggesting the Girl Scout Council uses a healthier and more environmentally friendly oil like canola oil or sunflower oil.
How do you define trans-species living?
Trans-species living is the belief that all living beings- animals and people, deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. Sadly, however, trans-species living can be very hard to find in our world. Our project aims to relieve some of the destruction and pain inflicted on orangutans, and their rainforest habitat, the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
When looking at the illegal logging of the rainforest trees of Borneo and Sumatra or the constant deforestation of rainforest habitat to build palm oil plantations, it quickly becomes clear that the actions of humans in developed countries such as the United States are threatening not only the existence of one endangered species (the orangutan) but are threatening the survival of the entire ecosystems. The decision to clear rainforest land for palm oil plantations affects the animals and plants that live in Borneo and Sumatra and also has disastrous effects on the Indigenous People, native to these areas.
Many companies that produce palm oil clear the Indigenous Peoples’ forests in order to plant entire plantations of oil palm plants, destroying the complex ecosystems that the Indigenous People have depended upon for centuries. This leaves thousands of Indigenous families homeless and with no way to provide for themselves. As a result, many have been forced to became bonded laborers working in the plantations to support their families.
We are firmly convinced that trans-species living is possible, but when looking at the relationship between human beings in developed countries and human beings native to Borneo and Sumatra we are forced to wonder. If one group of humans can treat another group so poorly, how can a thoughtful and caring relationship ever be formed between humans and animals?
We believe that in order for the tragic rainforest deforestation and human rights abuses occurring in Borneo and Sumatra to stop, society must learn to accept and address the needs of every part of the ecosystem; the animals, the plants, and the Indigenous People, before they make rash decisions for short term profit.
How has your work to save orangutans influenced your everyday life?
Through this project we have become more conscious of the injustices occurring worldwide. We pay more attention to the information that we hear on the news, through the internet and during our everyday lives and are now more likely to take action in support of a project or campaign by writing a letter, signing a petition or volunteering to help where we are needed.
Working on this project has also shown us the importance of knowing what one eats. Before starting this project neither one of us had heard of palm oil or knew what terrible effects the production of it could have. After learning how consuming products such as Kit Kats, Skittles, and Girl Scout Cookies, could result in rainforest deforestation and the abuses of human rights, neither one us felt like we could continue to eat such products with a clear conscious. Both of us decided to cut palm oil out of our diet and have remained true to that ever since. We have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who support us in our efforts and who have, on occasion, even joined us in our palm-oil free diet after being educated about the reasons behind our decision.
Although we do not necessarily promote a boycott of these products as the best way to urge companies to stop using palm oil, we personally do not feel comfortable eating foods that contain this harmful ingredient. Unfortunately, at this time there is no truly “sustainable” palm oil. An organization called the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), claims their plantations are environmentally and socially friendly but they have done a poor job of enforcing their own standards and setting them rigorously enough to ensure that oil palm production is environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. For example, Glenn Hurowitz wrote an article published in the LA Times saying "Unfortunately, as a recent Greenpeace report revealed, the Round-table's standards are almost meaningless because they don't include inspections of the palm oil tree plantations"
What are some of the personal challenges you have encountered?
One personal challenge that we’ve faced was trying to overcome the ridicule and criticism we received from our middle school peers. Unfortunately middle schools peers can be mean and they are quick to deem things “nerdy” or “uncool”. Our orangutan project didn’t exactly make us the coolest kids in the school and we were often teased about it. It was not easy making presentations about orangutans in front of our school because this was something that we were passionate about and hearing people make fun of it didn’t make us feel proud of the work we’d done. However we soon realized that how our peers viewed our project didn’t matter; we discovered the importance of not judging yourself based on how others think of you. We learned to stand tall and be proud of the things that we have accomplished.
In a commentary sparked by a Seattle Times article on our work, staff columnist Ron Judd wrote:
"Hello, girls. We heard how you're refusing to sell Girl Scout thin mint cookies because they contain palm oil, the production of which might destroy habitat for orangutans in Indonesia. That's sweet. But listen, you little do-gooders: These are decisions best left to adults."
This is just one clear example of the number one challenge that we have faced during our project - trying to make a difference in a world where adults make the decisions. It is hard to describe the amount of frustration we have felt as time after time we have had to break through the close minded beliefs that youth do not have opinions worth listening to and taking into consideration.
Another challenge that we faced came about in an unusual way. We were contacted by a woman who manages T.I.G.E.R.S Rare Species Fund. She invited us come to Miami, Florida, expenses paid, to see their preserve and to do a photo shoot with baby orangutans to help raise awareness about palm oil. At first we were thrilled and very excited to get to have this opportunity. However after doing research into this organization, we found a number of red flags. We found many websites that warned of the animal cruelty and abuse that was occurring at their facilities. They lost the AZA accreditation in 1999 because of concerns over veterinary care, the safety of visitors and the removal of young primates from their mothers to act in the entertainment industry. Jane Goodall, herself, co-signed a letter to the sponsors of their Miami preserve, Jungle Island. She pleaded for help to convince the preserve not to provide great apes for use in the entertainment industry.
After discovering all of this, we were forced to make a difficult decision. In the end we turned down the offer, citing our moral concerns. Although it would have been fun to go and do a photo shoot with the baby orangutans neither one of us felt that it would be right. Ever since this occurrence, we have learned the importance of doing research before jumping into, what may seem like wonderful opportunity.
Is there a difference between having relationships with members of other species and those with humans?
Although we believe that relationships between members of another species and relationships with humans are different, we believe that relationships with animals can be just as close, or even closer, than relationships with other humans.
Rhiannon Tomtishen: “ I am very close with my Chocolate Lab, Chip. My family adopted Chip from a local humane society when he was just two years old. Eight years later, we’ve been through a lot together. Chip has been there during all of my bad moments, ready to cuddle next to me and patiently lie there as I cried, or ranted, or raved. I have also been there for him, taking care of him during multiple surgeries involving a hurt tail (which eventually resulted in a complete amputation of his tail) and a torn Achilles tendon. When I lived overseas this past year with my family we were unable to bring Chip who had to stay behind in the United States; I missed him more than I ever imagined I would. I love and care about Chip just as much as I love and care about my human friends and family.”
Madison Vorva: “At home I have three dogs: Clover, Finnigan and Becca, they are all Soft-Coated Wheaton Terriers. Becca is the daughter of Clover and Finnigan, and I have known her since the day she was born, she is truly one of my closest friends. There is a special bond I share with Becca, the fact that dogs don’t judge your every word and are 100% loyal can be one of the biggest comforts after a tough day. Finnigan also has a very special place in my heart, we rescued him and because of his previous owner, he has serious behavioral problems. While these problems take a lot of work to fix, he has improved and he has taught me the importance of never giving up on someone. And lastly Clover, the very first dog that ever came into my life. She taught me responsibility, and to have respect for all living things.”
Do you experience contradictions in your life between what you envision and believe and how you actually live?
Although we try to “practice what we preach” as much as possible, unfortunately sometimes this is not possible. The availability (or lack of) of palm-oil free products is the main problem that we encounter. Another problem that we face, as consumers, is that it is not currently mandatory for companies to label palm oil. Companies are allowed to list “vegetable oil” as an ingredient in their products without specifying the types of oil that go into the vegetable oil. Until labeling of these oils is mandatory, consumers are unable to make completely educated decisions about the products they purchase.
What is your vision for an ideal “trans-species world”?
Our vision for an ideal trans-species world is a world in which every living being is treated with compassion and respect; every living being’s needs are considered and addressed.© 2010 Kerulos Center All rights reserved
"Science in service to animals"
