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!!
