Mission Statement
The Orangutan Foundation is the world's foremost orangutan conservation organisation. We are saving Asia's endangered great apes by protecting their tropical forest habitat, working with local communities and promoting research and education.
The approach of the Orangutan Foundation goes beyond that of purely protecting the orangutan. Critically it also includes a recognition that orangutan habitat is unique in its richness of biodiversity and crucial for local communities, who are as dependant on the forest as is the orangutan.
Conservation is more than protecting a species, it is about saving nature which includes us, 'the fifth ape'. The efforts of all of us to prevent global warming will be seen as a defining moment in history, for humanity's sake and for the health of the whole planet. Tropical forests can play a significant role in guarding against climate change.
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The 2010 Volunteer Programme will work in the Lamandau River Wildlife Reserve and Danau Sentarum National Park in Indonesian Borneo. Working as part of a team of up to 12 volunteers, this 6-week programme gives unrivalled experience of essential conservation work in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
Our programme promises exciting opportunities for adventurous individuals to participate in conservation fieldwork that really makes a difference.
Project 1: Lamandau River Wildlife Reserve
Team 1: 1st May - 12th June or Team 2: 26th June - 7th August
Project 2: Danau Sentarum National Park
Team 1: 18th September - 29th October
Click here for further information... |
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The Happy Tale Of Brian And Rosa. |
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It is not often that the Foundation broadcasts our achievements about individual orangutans but this story is so heart-warming that we felt the need to share it. We are delighted to bring you the tale of a happy ending for orphaned orangutan Brian.
In August 2009 Brian was rescued from an oil-palm plantation. He had no mother and was far too young for independent release and so adoption was our only option to ensure a quick release back into the forest. Adoption is always a gamble but risk can be reduced by careful selection of a surrogate mother. Under the guidance of our retained vet in the Lamandau River Wildlife Reserve, Dr Fikri, Brian was placed in a cage with young female orangutan Rosa.
Brian and Rosa quickly formed a bond.
Interactions between Brian and Rosa were observed closely from the offset and early signs seemed positive. They were. As time progressed we tested their relationship through interference with shows of affection or heckling towards Brian or Rosa . The two had clearly bonded and showed strong protection towards each other. In mid-December Dr Fikri decided that the pair was ready for release and they were taken to Camp Siswoyo in the Reserve. After little hesitation Brian and Rosa moved up into the trees to resume a future in the wild. They continue to be monitored and thrive in their new environment.
Back where they belong in the wild.
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Can you spare 6 weeks to go and work for the Orangutan Foundation in the depths of Borneo this September?
This is not for the faint-hearted; it is a hardcore but fulfilling one-off and extremely remote project set in the forests of Danau Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan Borneo. We have room for just 12 dedicated volunteers.
For more information please call Elly on 020 7724 2912.
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