Get over it, she's an orang utan

[Guest guest]

*I, Seelan Palay, am a Singaporean and I will never agree with the notion

of " People First " (as mentioned later in this article). While I **am an

activist for Human Rights here in Singapore myself** and may disagree with

making cases of making animals into " celebrities " , I will never agree with

the opinion that humans are more important than animals**. Article follows

below.

 

Yes we loved Ah Meng, but ... Get over it, she's an orang utan*

By Sylvia Toh Paik Choo

The New Paper, Singapore

Feb 15 2008

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,156290,00.html

 

THERE is a Singlish expression, 'my heart said', which translates as 'in

truth', for when one is obsequious upfront while harbouring an alternative

thought, usually a not-so-nice one.

 

Well, in truth my heart said when I read about the death of Ah Meng: 'Get

over it, it is an orang utan.'

 

Before you fling your pisang raja, please.

 

Yes, yes, yes, I know, I know, the big girl was one of Singapore's most

beloved icons (can you name some of our other national treasures? Aha!).

 

She was one of us, our children's favourite pet and a huge hit with tourists

to the Singapore Zoo.

 

In fact, the last time I mentioned her, I was quoted in a few travel trade

publications. (I had said: 'Singapore is the only techno hub in the world

where you can breakfast with an orang utan.')

 

But, ultimately, she was a primate, a simian, all right, if you must, Ah

Meng was First Orang Utan.

 

And so cute, one of her babies was christened (excuse moi) Hong Bao, awww,

born on Chinese New Year day, I think it was. Sadly, mother outlived

daughter.

 

When I saw the news item that Ah Meng had died, I did sit up.

 

Oh dear, I muttered.

 

And then again the hairy lady was 48, (like 96 in Darwinian accounting).

Were we expecting her to live forever, till the world runs out of Chiquitas?

 

Didn't foresee the flood of tears, though.

 

Such outpouring of genuine grief, over a zoo animal. It was like Princess

Diana all over again, but the Lilliputian, suburban version.

 

Without entering into heavy-duty Freudian debate and citing the McKennas of

Born Free fame (lions) or Dian Fossey and her apes, why is it some people

relate more to the four-footed than their own kind?

 

Take that New York hotelier Leona Helmsley, a woman nasty to her equals and

unequals - she left her millions to her pooch.

 

I understand if the only kindness ever shown you has been from animals and

house pets.

 

*PEOPLE FIRST*

 

What I can't comprehend is the copious weeping over an orang utan.

 

So she was famous, yeah; but first, how does one treat a neighbour

(quarrelling over trivia), family (squabbling over inheritance or

ill-treating elderly in-laws), maids and domestic helpers (bullying,

starving, beating, slapping), salespeople and waiting staff (unreasonable

customer always right).

 

Brother, put your house in order, and always put people first before you

bawl into a hankie over the death of a circus attraction (oh, grow up).

 

The other thing, of course, is would you cry if the sculpture of the Merlion

caved in by accident? If you think you would, then perhaps it's time to

reflect upon a new mascot for Singapore.

 

Let's hear it for Ah Meng!