THE GREAT ORANGUTAN PROJECT
Are you looking to volunteer abroad with animals? At The Great Projects, they believe it’s a better way to holiday. Their award-winning wildlife conservation projects and signature tours are designed to provide truly unique and life-changing experiences for wildlife lovers around the globe who wish to volunteer abroad and make a difference. Volunteering allows travellers the perfect opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most far-flung destinations whilst doing some meaningful conservation work in the process. VolunteerING with The Great Projects and you will really have a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the planet's most incredible and endangered species, The donation and conservation pledges ensure that your sustainable travel choices will aid the conservation of some of the planet’s most incredible species even after you return home, and will also provide support to the communities which live alongside them.
One of programmes they offer is the award-winning Great Orangutan Project. Despite being one of the most instantly-recognisable and endearing animals on the planet, orangutans are in fact critically endangered. There are now only around 60,000 orangutans remaining in the wild, and these great apes need our help now more than ever.
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The idea of working with orangutans is something many of us dream of, and by becoming an orangutan volunteer in Borneo, you will be making a real difference to this incredible species while also marking an extraordinary experience off your bucket list.
Situated within the tropical Kubah National Park, The Great Orangutan Project is a volunteer experience of major importance: not only is it the very first conservation experience started by The Great Projects, but it is one which has grown in to a multi-award-winning orangutan sanctuary in Borneo, known the world over.
The project is based at the famous Matang Wildlife Centre and is home to an array of enchanting species. Animals such as sun bears, binturongs and macaques have all made their home here, but few have captured the heart of visitors quite like the orangutan has.
Critically endangered, the orangutan stands as a symbol of conservation, and its very existence here at Matang Wildlife Centre serves as a reminder that more must be done to combat the perils of an at-risk rainforest. Mass deforestation, mining, and forest fires each pose a significant threat to this most empathetic of animals, leaving many orangutans exposed to further threats such as hunting and the pet trade. Countless orangutans find themselves orphaned or severely injured as a result of these threats, and without a centre such as Matang to take them in, these orangutans would simply have nowhere to go.
As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to assist at this most important of wildlife centres. From working to improve husbandry standards to providing enrichment for the orangutans, your time spent volunteering on The Great Orangutan Project is sure to be both enjoyable and worthwhile. Take the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on Malaysia’s captivating wildlife, working hard to provide a meaningful future not only for the animals at the centre, but also for the region’s wildlife for many years to come.
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ACTIVITIES
On this project you will have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities. Your main focus, however, will consist of providing enrichment and husbandry for the orangutans, sun bears, macaques, binturongs and other animals.
Enrichment
A major part of this project revolves around the creation of enrichment. This is the process of providing the animals with stimulating environments and activities designed to promote their natural behaviours, which in turn may enhance their potential for release. Enrichment can also be used to improve the quality of life for the animals at the centre, with existing ideas, such as puzzle feeders and bubbles, providing a sense of entertainment as well as mental and sensory stimulation.
Husbandry
Husbandry for the orangutans, sun bears, macaques, binturongs and other animals is an important part of a day’s work at Matang. This activity includes feeding the animals and cleaning their enclosures – both essential elements of any wildlife centre. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, as this can be messy work!
Maintenance
Volunteers provide crucial support with maintenance at the centre, and without the added manpower, the project team would not be able to continue their conservation efforts in the way that they currently do. Whether you assist with painting, cleaning, varnishing or gardening, there is always work to be done!
Construction
Construction tasks allow the centre to continue to grow, and as a volunteer you may help to construct aviaries, enclosures, feeding platforms in the forest, boardwalks around the park, or even ranger stations in the national park. The more construction that is completed, the more animals the centre will be able to accept in the hope of rehabilitating and releasing as many of them as possible.
Organic Farming
Over the past few years, volunteers have helped the project to create an organic farm in order to grow food for the animals, which in turn has boosted the centre’s sustainability. The team are determined to keep their produce organic, and therefore, you may spend some time tending to the farm. Please note, this is only an occasional activity and is not a guaranteed part of your itinerary.
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Visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
During your time on the project, you will visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, which is home to a number of semi-wild orangutans that have either been orphaned or rescued from captivity. Whilst these animals now roam the forest freely, they do come back to feeding platforms twice a day, and it is here where you will hope to get a glimpse of them up close.
Situated within Kubah National Park, this project has the benefit of being surrounded by beautiful forests, waterfalls and trails. Whether exploring all that the park has to offer or venturing beyond the doorstep and into the wider area of Kuching, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your time off.
If you’re interested in joining a wildlife volunteer project to see how you can make a lasting impact on conservation, for more information, follow the link.