The Latest Update From The Samboja Lestari Volunteer Project Site!

The Latest Update From The Samboja Lestari Volunteer Project Site!

Posted by Ellie Hutchin on 8th Apr 2017

The Great Projects have received some very positive news from the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project in Borneo!

Project coordinator, Kate, gave us an update about what has been happening at the site. It sounds like our fantastic volunteers have been hard at work!

First of all, orangutan residents Bujang and Anih tried out some ice blocks for the first time. Ice blocks are used as a tasty enrichment exercise for the Bornean orangutans at Samboja. Several fruits are put into water, which is then placed into plastic bags to be frozen. Once they are nice and iced, the bags are presented to the great apes, who then have the pleasure of unveiling the best method of extracting the fruit from its frozen enclosure. Kate has informed us that Anih definitely got brain freeze!

Four foundations for four new platforms have been dug and are ready for the next step on Island five. It is home to a broad selection of the orangutan population at the Samboja Lestari site. Fun fact, our very own Nikita remembers during her own time spent on the project, little Itchau attempted to throw weeds at her head! Although, at the time, Itchau was in the awkward phase of life between toddler and teenager, so we won’t hold that one against him. Although, she did manage to capture the whole scene on video, so have a look below...

The last update we received from lovely Kate, was regarding the new plant area, with a bright new sign, painted by volunteer, Jess (it really is a lovely sign, take a look.)

We are so happy to have received such a positive update from the Samboja Lestari project site. We will be sure to give you any other updates as they come in so keep your eyes peeled!


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