Project Summary

The objective of the orangutan program you will be joining is to spread awareness about these brilliant creatures, prevent them from going extinct, conserve their habitat, and provide an opportunity to study the importance of orangutans in the food chain and the ecosystem.

The program helps injured and rescued orangutans to preserve this unique species for future generations. While observing them in their natural habitat, you will work on various activities to care for and save these wonderful and gentle creatures, from infants and juveniles to adult orangutans. As a volunteer, you will also get a glimpse into the region’s unique biodiversity and conservation efforts, making it an ideal destination and experience if you love nature and adventure.

The great thing about this volunteering program is that it includes a 1-week cultural and adventure experience so that you can learn about Borneo from another aspect: its food, dances, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Why choose this project?

Large-scale habitat loss and land use change brought on by logging, palm oil production, mining, and agricultural expansion threaten wild orangutan populations. Out of all of these, deforestation poses the greatest danger, and over the past three decades, it is believed that 80% of the orangutan’s natural habitat has been lost and cannot be replaced. These intelligent creatures are also ruthlessly exploited in captivity for “entertainment” captured for the exotic pet trade, and or hunted unlawfully for their meat.

There is, however, hope.

This orangutan project works tirelessly in Borneo’s rainforests to conserve and safeguard this precious endangered species and its natural habitat. They need people like you to lend a helping hand!

This volunteering program in Malaysian Borneo consists of 2 parts and lasts for a minimum of 5 weeks (of course, you are welcome to stay longer!):

• Week 1: Experience the culture, cuisine and natural environment of Borneo
• Week 2-5: Volunteering in the orangutan rescue centre at the indoor nursery and outdoor nursery (biweekly rotation)

Role of the volunteer

After your cultural experience in the first week of your program, your tasks at the orangutan center could include:

• Preparing food or formula for the feeding of the infants, preparing food at various locations for juvenile orangutans
• Cleaning sleeping and play areas
• Assistance in caring for sick infants
• Transferring baby orangutans between sleeping and playing area
• Monitoring orangutans and administration of data

Your activities will be discussed with you each day so you are clear about your responsibilities and how you will be involved, but bear in mind that nature knows no schedule, so be prepared to be flexible as well.

Skills Required

No specific skills are required for you to participate in the project; however, the work can be pretty physical, so a decent level of fitness may be needed. You should also be genuinely interested in conserving these majestic primates, but with an understanding that too much human contact can hinder rehabilitation efforts.

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