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Paul O Grady next to two orphaned infant orangutans who are holding onto a rope next to Paul standing.

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Remembering Paul O'Grady

As Patron and friend of Orangutan Appeal UK since 2015, the news of Paul O'Grady's passing has saddened us deeply.

28/09/2023

Our beloved patron

The passing of Paul O'Grady has come as a desperately sad shock to Orangutan Appeal UK.

His passion for animals was always evident and during a trip to Sepilok in 2015 he fell in love with baby Archie. Since that moment, he supported our work as Patron and ambassador and his kindness over the years will not be forgotten.

Upon accepting his position as patron for the charity, Paul said, "I am delighted to be a patron of Orangutan Appeal UK to help raise awareness of the plight of this beautiful endangered ape and promote the work the charity are doing to conserve them. Seeing their work first-hand and meeting the baby orangutans was heart-wrenching, I immediately fell in love with baby Archie which has inspired me to get involved."

He first met Archie during his time at Sepilok whilst filming for Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans. The show helped to highlight conservation issues affecting orangutans and their habitat in Borneo. Paul continued to raise awareness of orangutans and our work.

"As patron for Orangutan Appeal UK I am very proud to know their efforts are helping to make a real difference to Borneo’s rich biodiversity and the populations of critically endangered orangutans."

We remain grateful for his dedication to all animals and his long-standing support of Orangutan Appeal UK. He will be truly missed.

Paul O'Grady holding orphaned infant Archie in his arms.

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