Orangutan Foundation

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...

Link: www.wetlands.org

Download PDF version of letter reproduced below...

"If consumers knew that buying their favourite chocolate bar contributed to the extinction of the orangutan and fuelled global warming, would they still treat themselves?

"The UK consumes huge amounts of palm oil, an ingredient found in scores of products including biscuits, fish fingers, cosmetics and toiletries. Reporter Raphael Rowe journeys into the rainforest of Borneo, where he uncovers evidence of palm oil companies cutting down trees illegally and developing plantations on protected land, the deforestation releasing huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the global environment.

"As the forest disappears, at a rate of two football pitches every minute, so too does the habitat of man's closest cousins, the critically endangered orangutan."


See here for programme 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.