THE LITTLEST RHINO

The Body Shops Latest Initiative: Sustainable Palm Oil

Recently, The Body Shop announced a ground breaking development for the cosmetics industry and is urging other manufacturers and retailers to
follow their lead.

The Bodyshop Palm Oil: The Body Shop is now the first beauty retailer to introduce sustainable palm oil into the industry. This is a major development for not only The Body Shop, but for the entire cosmetic and toiletry industry.

Most people have no idea what extracting palm oil from trees is doing to the rains forests, specifically those in South East Asia. Endangered animal species such as orang-utans, Sumatran rhinoceros and Asian elephant and tigers, are heading towards extinction due to the loss of their natural habitat.

The Body Shop hopes to set the lead in its South American supply of palm oil through a deliberate and ethical choice to partner with Daabon, a certified organic producer in Colombia, which works extensively with local cooperatives.

Peter Saunders, CEO of The Body Shop stated, “Many people who use soap everyday will be unaware that they are contributing to a major environmental catastrophe: the destruction of ancient rain forests and the extinction of endangered species.”

Consumers do not realize how much Palm Oil they use on a daily basis. It is one of the world’s most popular vegetable oils. It is used in countless everyday items including cosmetics, household products and foods and is regularly consumed by over a billion people worldwide.

That the plight of the Sumatran Rhino, can inspire retailers to make drastic changes to their supply chain, is certainly encouraging. It’s just unfortunate that their main supply is not in Asia, but South America.

nevertheless, It’s certainly a commendable decision on the part of the Body shop and a move definitely in the right direction. Let’s hope the concept catches on in South East Asia, as a viable and desirable alternative to despoiling the forest homes of the Littlest Rhino.

 Sumatran Rhinos in Love? [2:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (68)

THE STORY BEHIND THIS CLIP:

We have been shooting for a few days and as we trek to the area where the rhino’s were, to film them again, I am thinking, “Oh No, not another gruelling day in this hot and steamy rainforest! I wish I could just lie one of those mud wallows to escape this infernal heat!” But today will prove to deliver one of the most extraordinary and thrilling moments of my life!

As we arrive, two of the rhinos, a male and a female, are mingling together at the nearby feeding place. In view of their previous aggressive behavior during breeding, Dr Zainal knows that having them together like this, could turn out to be a very dangerous situation for the smaller female, so the first aid kit is never far away. But this will not prove to be a problem today.

Suddenly, the two rhinos turn and disappear into the rainforest, Sharif quickly and confidently marches after them with his clipboard, leading the way for our small crew. I follow behind with far less boldness, having yesterday witnessed this same male rhino charging right past me; down an incline; through the sharp, thorny undergrowth like a horse at full gallop - but having considerable more momentum - with two sharp horns right out in front! The incident had me literally quaking in my boots!

But I tell myself, “that was yesterday, I had been separated and was alone. Now this is today and the rhinos have at least 5 other targets in our team from which to choose”

I also remind myself we have an important documentary to shoot, so onward and upward we go!

Shortly, we arrive at a clearing, like a velvety green cathedral with pools of soft light pouring in from above. The the rhinos stop here and take up positions on either side of a huge log. They start calling to each other in plaintive tones that make them sound so vulnerable, so whistful, it touches you deep within your soul!

Next, I can’t believe my eyes… and neither can the researchers. Although I don’t fully understand that we are now privy to a scene never before witnessed or recorded, I DO realize we needed to roll the camera and get this on tape! So with every word whispered, Adam, our cameraman, jumps into action like lightning. He does an awsome job! I am mesmerized as he and I edge our way closer and closer, balancing ourselves on top of the very log that separates the rhinos until we are just feet away! (I think we just used one shot of that footage) However, soon we move back behind another big log to allow them to interact more naturally.

HOW YOU CAN HELP TODAY!

If you want to help save this dying breed, spread the word about Sumatran Rhinos and their plight. You can also assist by helping us reach more people with the important message contained in this video

Simply, goto our home page and follow the instructions!

Every little bit, will help us get the word out there - Thanks!

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Spread the word about Sumatran Rhinos and their plight. Public Awareness is critical for their survival. You can also assist by helping us reach more people with the information contained in this YouTube video.

Simply, goto our home page and follow the instructions!

We”ll soon be posting more clips from The Littlest Rhino very soon - just as soon as we get them uploaded.

Asia Geographic Productions Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) is pleased to announce that Mid-April 2007, The Littlest Rhino, a wildlife documentary about the plight of the critically endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, will be represented by Mr James Reynolds of our JV partner, Asia Geographic Entertainment (Hong Kong) who will be travelling to Cannes for the MIPDOC and MIPTV Television Markets. He will be offering world rights for this unique program (internet rights reserved) and other programs in his portfolio. We wish him greatest success at this market and look forward to hearing about the good results of his trip!