The threats to the survival of the orang-utan are numerous and difficult to remedy. While APE believes it is best to conserve any species in its natural habitat, They see an important conservation and educational role played by zoos. Breeding programmes with the aim of increasing numbers of orang-utans and preserve genetic diversity is an increasingly important responsibility of good zoos. They also play a crucial role in educating the public and generating much needed funds for conservation that could well contribute towards rehabilitation and release of orang-utans and other wildlife back to the wild.