Boreno Orangutan Volunteer Experiences - The Great Orangutan Project

Posted by Connor Whelan on 20th Oct 2015

The third of our series of volunteer experiences comes from Katy who headed over to Borneo to take part in The Great Orangutan Project! If you want to become a Borneo orangutan volunteer, you can find out more about the project here, but I’m going to let Katy do the talking from here!

What was the highlight of your trip?

The highlight of my trip was visiting Matang (Orangutan Centre) and seeing the Orangutans! Whilst it's not ideal seeing some of these beautiful animals in a caged environment, it was amazing to see the work everyone is doing to rehabilitate and reintroduce them back into the jungle. Watching the babies play and climb, and rip apart and enjoy the enrichment our team made for them was just fantastic!

Do you want to head back out to the project or even take on any new volunteering challenges?

Yes, I would like to go back one day, but there are so many other animals I want to help save in so many other locations worldwide. I have actually already booked the Shamwari conservation experience for February 2016 :-)

Now that you’re an expert, do you have any travel tips for any prospective volunteers?

Be prepared for an amazing, emotional, exhilarating adventure and experience. Get involved in everything... Don't turn anything down, and most importantly make sure you put in 110%!

Did the trip inspire you to help with animal conservation in any other way?

I am actually vegan and I am very passionate about saving and helping animals in any way I can. The vegan lifestyle has encouraged me to research and learn all about conservation. I have 3 Siberian Huskies, 2 of them rescued. I foster huskies whilst new homes are found for them too. This was my first animal conservation trip, and as previously mentioned, I have already booked another one. I will most certainly be doing more.

And finally why do you think people need to travel?

People should travel more. They should travel to; experience different countries, food, cultures and lifestyles. Travelling allows you to meet people and to make new friends.

I'm originally from the UK and I have lived in Perth, Australia for over 7 years. This has allowed me to broaden my horizons and experience travelling to lots of different places in Asia. Travelling helps you grow as a person and also allows you to become more confident.

I personally have seen some beautiful and amazing sights, have met some fantastic people, and I will never give up travelling until I have seen everything in the world on my list... That list is endless!!

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Bhavna commented 6 years ago

Hi. I have wanted to do something like this for so long..then found my dream! my husband and I are going July 2nd 2016 and are counting the days!! so excited to not only tick one thing off my bucket list but the main thing is to give back..To help these beautiful animals..:)

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Angela commented 7 years ago

As my trip comes closer the excitement is building I am going to the Samboja Lestari to see the men of the forest. The orangutans are magnificent and can't wait to help make a difference for the work done to help them . At the age of 65 and just retired I look forward to my adventure in May 2016 .

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Dawn commented 7 years ago

Brilliant comments. I am very proud to say I have taken a giant leap and booked onto the same tour for October 2016! I am so excited at my first real adventure at the ripe old age of 50! If you have any tips re: gear, etc I would love to hear from you. My email is: [email protected] Looking forward to making a difference in the big wide world.

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Jona commented 7 years ago

Thank you for your review! I have been looking to speak with someone who has attended the Great Orangutan Project in Borneo who would be willing to answer some specific questions I have. I am looking to book my trip for fall 2016 but want to be sure I will be working for a great cause and making a significant impact. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]
Thank you!
-Jona

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