Mariko, the 24-year-old Orang Utan at the Sepilok
Rehabilitation Centre received a special visit by renowned Japanese singer and
songwriter, Hatta Mariko, yesterday.
According to Hatta
Mariko, she first visited Mariko last year after she knew they shared the same
name.
“The first time I
knew there is an Orang Utan named Mariko was three years ago and I am happy to
know that because I’m interested in the species since I was a child.
“Upon knowing there
is a Mariko here, I wrote a song entitled “My name is Mariko” and dedicated it
to the Orang Utan,” she said when met yesterday at the Sepilok Rehabilitation
Centre.
“The idea to write
the song came as I heard the Orang Utan population is on the decline and the
animal has become an endangered species,” says Mariko.
“I hope my song
creates an awareness for all of us to protect our habitat, not only the Orang
Utan but also other animals,” she said adding that Mariko’s sister has also the
same name with her sister, Noriko.
“During my visit last
year, I came with several of my fans, unfortunately this time around, I cannot
bring them as they are all afraid to leave Japan due to the recent disaster,”
she explained.
Accompanying the
chief executive officer of Hatta Mariko patronage, Yuko Nakamura and the
company’s treasurer, Hiroko Nakagawa. Mariko also donated RM12,000 to the Orang
Utan Trust Fund.
According to Mariko,
the money was raised by her fans in Japan who shared the same concern with the
well being of the species.
Source: TheBorneoPost July 6, 2012 Friday