There are a few animals in nature that have as many human-like qualities as orangutans. These majestic apes have fascinated researchers and primate lovers around the world for generations, but their numbers are dwindling and the threat to their survival is real. You can help with orangutan rehabilitation and make a real difference to a species so similar to our own.
The tragic reality is that orangutan adults are often killed by plantation owners and poachers, while orangutan babies are captured and put on the black market. The exotic animal trade is a global problem, and orangutan infants are often caught in its grasp. Fortunately, customs agents around the world are cracking down on this illicit movement of animals.
When orangutans are rescued from poachers, exotic animal dealers, or threatened habitats, they need somewhere to go. Many of the young orangutans that are rescued were torn from their mothers’ sides and have had little “training” in how to live. Captured orangutans are often kept in cages, fed an inappropriate diet, and deprived of the social and familial interaction that they crave.
Volunteering to help with orangutan rehabilitation is a noble and rewarding way to spend your time. The rehabilitation centres located throughout Indonesia and Malaysia quarantine the orangutans, check their health and wellness, and provide a sanctuary for them to be nursed back to health. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in an important conservation project, and get real hands-on experience helping animals recover their dignity and freedom, then helping with orangutan rehabilitation is the perfect choice for you. You can become a vital part of the efforts at the rehabilitation centre, providing enriching experiences for the orangutans, constructing engaging habitats for the animals, and working to improve husbandry standards. Make a tangible difference in the world you love by finding out more about orangutan rehabilitation here.
