A sculpture artist from Wooburn Moor, renowned for her conservation focused creations, has been dedicating her recently found free time to highlight the plight of an injured Sumatran Orangutan named Leuser.
Known for donating a considerable portion of her earnings from the film industry to wildlife conservation causes, she now uses her skills to tell Leuser’s heart-wrenching story through sculpture, all with the aim to bring the impacts of palm oil farming into focus.
While finding herself among the vast number of UK workers currently unemployed due to the repercussions of the recent film industry writer's strikes, the sculptress remains undeterred.
Casey Banwell said: "With time now on my hands, my mind returns to conservation and the plight of my animal friends."
A uniquely poignant story has been a focal point for her.
A heartbreaking tale of Leuser, the orangutan, who paid an unimaginable price for trespassing on a palm oil plantation in his own backyard, the Sumatran rainforest.
The creature was shot 64 times in his face and groin, leading to permanent blindness. After hearing Leuser’s story from Dr Ian Singleton, a world-famous expert on the Sumatran Orangutan, the sculptress found her muse.
Dr Ian Singleton had said: "Leuser, despite his devastating injuries, has now found a safe place to live out his remaining days at The Orangutan Haven.
"Blind, he has just spent two months navigating his way back to his house at the Haven on his own."
Casey's response to this remarkable animal's struggles is to create a sculpture of Leuser, endearingly named Long Arm.
This effigy's journey will hope to mirror Leuser’s challenging expedition.
Starting from Casey's hometown in Buckinghamshire, Long Arm will journey to The Orangutan Haven, in the distant Sumatran rainforests.
The entire journey will be documented.
The sculptress hopes to garner International attention, using her artwork as a catalyst for change.
Already, the sculptress has started introducing Long Arm to local parks in Wooburn and observing the public’s response.
Casey ends with a plea for support: "Will you help in bringing Leuser’s story to life and get Long Arm home.
"Through sales of my work, I have donated over 30,000 pounds to conservation causes, some include rescue rehabilitation and release programs for the Orangutan in both Borneo and Sumatra.
"I’ve also donated to the setting up of ambassador programs to help protect and save the Pangolin in The Massai Mara.
"My hope is to get local and international papers onboard and through the power of sculpture, tell the life story of Leuser and these amazing guardians that have dedicated their time to protecting him and giving him back a quality of life."
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