Orangutan Sanctuary Assistant

Volunteer at this Orangutan sanctuary in Borneo, where you could play a direct role in the rehabilitation of orphaned, injured and displaced orangutans, as well as providing a life of comfort and refuge for the apes who will never be able to be released into the wild. This orangutan sanctuary is home to the largest number of captive orangutans in the world and is the spearhead of the most successful orangutan release program there is. Come and join this exclusive orangutan volunteer project to play an unparalleled part in the process!

About The Project

Founded by the Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation, this orangutan sanctuary is home to more than 390 orangutans. All of the animals require the generous helping hands of volunteers to provide them with the best life possible, even helping to give some a shot at independent life in the wild once more.

Orangutans end up in sanctuary care due to the illegal pet trade, and also after becoming orphaned, displaced or injured during their search for food and shelter throughout farmlands – something which occurs as a direct result of mass deforestation in Borneo. The sanctuary’s main aim is to rehabilitate the apes and release them back into protected areas of the rainforest where they belong, but due to trauma and injuries, this is not always possible for some, and so the sanctuary provides a forever safe haven for these great apes. Volunteers play a direct role in this process by completing animal husbandry which helps to ensure the animals are comfortable, preparing food for the animals, and most importantly, creating and distributing enrichment materials to the apes which stimulates natural behaviours and keeps their minds engaged.

You have the opportunity to watch and observe orangutans at various stages in the rehabilitation process. Whether it be juveniles enjoying their playground and learning to climb, or how to use items in the forest as tools after a day in orangutan jungle school, or watching the adults put their wild skills to the test out on the pre-release islands where the apes reside during their final stretch of rehabilitation – watching these intelligent animals is simply unfathomable. So come and see it for yourself!

Prior To Arrival

• You must ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your project start date in order to gain entry into Indonesia.
  
• You will need to organise flights which arrive into Palangkaraya Airport between 9am and 5pm. If this is not possible, you will need to arrive the day before and book an additional night’s stay in a nearby hotel. Most international flights will arrive into Jakarta International Airport, from where you can catch a domestic flight to Palangkaraya.
  

During Your Stay

We are often asked whether or not volunteers will have the chance to touch or play with the orangutans whilst on this project. Our answer to this question is, and will always be no, and this is for good reason. 

Orangutans are highly susceptible to human diseases and something as minor as the common cold can prove fatal to these Great Apes. Also an environment of constant change, with new volunteers going to the project every two or four weeks and being in contact with the orangutans would be very detrimental to the Orangutans wellbeing. With no consistency in their lives behavioural problems arise. They also have a tendency to begin to trust humans which is damaging should they be released back into the wild, as they will become easy targets for poachers. Finally, an orangutan is around 7 times stronger than an adult male human so a no contact policy is just as crucial for your wellbeing as orangutan welfare.

That is not to say that as a volunteer you will have no interaction with the orangutans, it simply means that you will have no direct contact with them. You will still observe them on a daily basis and see how your contribution to their husbandry and enrichment makes a real difference in these great apes’ lives.

Arrival
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the sanctuary by a project representative. You will then settle in and get to know your fellow volunteers after a brief orientation by the project facilitator.

Project Days
A typical day will involve a morning and an afternoon activity with breakfast lunch and dinner provided. Enrichment will be the primary activity that you will complete on this project, but you will also take part in many other exciting activities too! Take a look below to see what you could be getting up to should you volunteer at this orangutan sanctuary.

Enrichment
As already mentioned, enrichment is a major part of life for the resident animals at the sanctuary. It’s a major part of the rehabilitation process, and also helps to keep the minds of permanent animal residents at the sanctuary stimulated. You contribute in many ways, whether it be collecting leaves for the orangutans to build their nests or hiding treats inside bamboo and other materials for the animals to forage through, be prepared to get your hands dirty! Also, don’t be shy – if you come up with a brand-new enrichment activity, put it forward because the team love new ideas! Another truly rewarding aspect of enrichment, is that you will also help to distribute it and watch the orangutans reap all the benefits of your hard work!

Orangutan Observation
You will have ample opportunities to observe the beautiful great apes. You'll, of course, see the orangutans everyday but the best way to see them is on the pre-release islands! You'll board a small boat with the technicians and head out to the feeding platforms and will help to ensure they are happy, healthy and adapting to life in semi-wild conditions. While there is no hands-on contact, you will be in very close proximity to the apes, so much that not only will you watch them, but they will watch you! 

Animal Husbandry
You will help to clean the enclosures of the orangutans. While this may not be the most glamorous of activities, it is essential for providing the apes with cleanliness and comfort during their time at the sanctuary! You may also be required to help with small construction or maintenance tasks, but this is dependent on the needs of the sanctuary during your stay.

Bukit Tangkiling
It’s not just some stunning wildlife this project has to offer,  jungle life is simply beautiful. You’ll get to take in the authentic sights and sounds of the rainforest, as well as have a taste of ancient Indonesian culture as you take a trek to a hilltop known as Bukit Tangkiling. Along the way, you’ll pass relics of old religious buildings, and your expert guide will impart knowledge to you about the surrounding rainforest and how the locals live.

Traditional Night Market
You will be doused with another authentic taste of Indonesian culture with a trip to the traditional night market. With its lack of tourists, this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Indonesian life by interacting with locals and also tasting the delicious variety of street foods on offer! 

Volunteers will have free time during the day every Saturday before heading to the night market in the evening. Use this time to take in your remote jungle surroundings, take a trip to the village shop, or simply sit with a good book. Beer can be purchased at the sanctuary at the expense of the volunteer during your free time, but it can only be consumed within the volunteer accommodation. We kindly request that volunteers do not pack alcohol from home, particularly with regards to spirits.