In Kate's Words... - An Update From Samboja Lestari

In Kate's Words... - An Update From Samboja Lestari

Posted by Kate Helliwell on 18th Sep 2017

After completing the first half of the year we are now onto the next phase.

Since finishing the baby playground, we have been busy.

We started to work on the veterinarian clinic giving it a refurbishment. Not our usual kind of project, but we thought we would try our hands at a bit of DIY this year. This will be a project that we complete between our other major construction projects over the next few months. Keeping the animals at Samboja healthy is a constant job for the staff here, therefore making sure their clinic is in perfect working order is a very important job.

We also created a new playground for any new babies that arrive at the sanctuary and have to go through their quarantine period before joining the others. Now, they have a new small playground next to the vet clinic that they can enjoy during their transition period!

And back to the islands…currently, we are refurbishing islands 3 and 4 for some very special inhabitants. Firstly, Island 4 is for our second longest resident at Samboja. His name is Papa and he is 28. He unfortunately suffered from Hepatitis B when he arrived at BOS Foundation many years ago and has to be quarantined; he is unfortunately not releasable due to not having any survival skills so the next best thing for him is an island. He is now just like Romeo, getting the chance to live out the rest of his life on one of the islands here at Samboja. Therefore, the task with the volunteers for the next few months is to prepare it for him along with 3 other females. This consists of creating platforms for shade and feeding along with hammocks for resting and many different climbing structures so they can swing around their new island like they would from tree to tree in the wild. We are in the middle of building 2 or our 3 platforms here and progress is going well.

Island 3 has recently been designated for another one of Samboja’s residents. Who? We will reveal shortly! We are therefore tasked with completing this island in the final months of 2017.

It is very exciting to know that we can change the lives of individual orangutans who have been through such traumas in their lives. Especially those who are not able to be released back to the wild. This is made possible with our dedicated team here and the volunteers that come to help us.

Soon we will be looking to 2018 and seeing what the next year brings for our friends here at Samboja


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Jenni commented 6 years ago
Ahh thanks for the update Kate, so good to hear about all the happenings over there!! Looking forward to hearing about Papa's release and who the new island is for!! I still keep returning in my mind to Samboja as my happy place in times of stress!!

500 characters remaining
Paul commented 6 years ago
Thanks for the update Kate, can't wait to see Papa released on the island with his girlfriends. When you post his release can you do a video of how he reacts being there. Love Vicki and Griff xxx

500 characters remaining

Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


It’s Orangutan Release Time!

It’s Orangutan Release Time!

12 more orangutans have been successfully released back...

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda Duchin volunteered at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan...

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Join us on a remarkable rewilding journey as we revisit the...

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet and Mick joined The Great Gorilla Project last year...

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987