The Orangutans Have Moved Home! The Volunteers Hard Work Has Paid Off!
You may remember that earlier this year we brought you news on what the volunteers had been getting up to on the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project over in Borneo in 2016, and now we can bring you another update on the volunteer’s hard work.
In 2016 our orangutan volunteers spent time helping to build new climbing structures and platforms on the “orangutan islands” at the sanctuary. Once completed, these islands were to become the new home of some of the orangutans being cared for and rehabilitated at Samboja.
Exciting news came in from our volunteer coordinator at the project, Kate, as she informed us that late last week the first of the orangutans that would be calling the islands home made the move! All of the orangutans that were on island 5 made the move to the new and improved island 2, so that they would be able to enjoy the platforms, hammocks, barrels, and climbing structures, all of which volunteers played a part in helping to build!
Here we can see Alejandro and Maureen being put on the islands after their yearly check-ups, and please don’t worry as both apes were carefully monitored as they slowly became aware of their new surroundings! As the picture below shows, the orangutans soon came to terms with their new home and Alejandro and his mum Abel were seen relaxing in a barrel together shortly after the move took place.
One of the next projects that will be taking place at Samboja is to fix up island 5 to enable the big male orangutan Romeo and four females to live there, so if you’re heading out to Samboja Lestari you could be involved in helping to complete another orangutan island!
We will keep you up to date with how the orangutans are getting on ion their new home, so keep your eyes peeled! We would also like to extend our huge thanks for our volunteers who have made all of this possible, so well done!
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.
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.
Featured Blog Arcticles
New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary
1-year-old baby orangutan, Iqo, has been freed from illegal captivity. After being kept as a pet for five months, she was found severely dehydrated and exhausted. See what progress she’s now making as she undergoes rehabilitation at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.
View Blog PostAchievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022
After 2 difficult years, we finally welcomed volunteers back at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in April, and The Great Projects’ volunteer coordinator Kate, provides a roundup of what was achieved at Samboja Lestari in 2022.
View Blog PostMerle’s Orangutan Experience at Samboja
Merle shares her experiences from her time spent volunteering at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in September 2022, including the time she spent with the resident sun bears.
View Blog PostNew Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary
1-year-old baby orangutan, Iqo, has been freed from illegal captivity. After being kept as a pet for five months, she was found severely dehydrated and exhausted. See what progress she’s now making as she undergoes rehabilitation at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.
View Blog PostAchievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022
After 2 difficult years, we finally welcomed volunteers back at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in April, and The Great Projects’ volunteer coordinator Kate, provides a roundup of what was achieved at Samboja Lestari in 2022.
View Blog PostFeatured Videos
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.
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 talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.
Latest Blog Arcticles
International Women's Day - The Most Inspirational Women In Conservation
Join us in celebrating International Women's Day, as we...
New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary
1-year-old baby orangutan, Iqo, has been freed from illegal...
Achievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022
After 2 difficult years, we finally welcomed volunteers...
Contact Info
UK OfficeThe 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
Helpful Links
