Orangutan Foundation

This year, the Orangutan Foundation celebrates its twentieth anniversary. To mark the occasion, Ashley Leiman OBE, Director and Founder of the Orangutan Foundation, will be giving a series of lectures around the country entitled ‘How to save the orangutan’. The lecture will show a stunning array of images from Borneo including, orangutans, rainforest biodiversity and traditional village communities.

- 2 September - Edinburgh Zoo, For more information click here...

- 6 October - The Olive Tree Ely, Cambridgeshire For more information and to buy tickets online click here...

- 27 October - Bristol Zoo, For more information and to buy tickets online click here...

- 9 November - Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London Tickets will be on sale from 10th September. For ticket enquiries please contact Sarah Oldridge Tel: 0208 332 5626 (Tues, Weds, Thurs) / Tel: 01444 894310 (Mon & Fri).

- 3 November - The Eden Project, Cornwall For more information or to purchase a ticket please contact 01762 811911.

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 2: Danau Sentarum National Park
Team 1: 18th September - 29th October

GREENPEACE ARTICLE: Success! You made Nestlé drop dodgy palm oil!

Click here for further information...

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.