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Iconic orangutans, once widespread throughout the majority of South-East Asia’s lush rainforests, are

facing a critical crisis, with consistent threats to their livelihood, such as deforestation, palm oil extraction and illegal hunting for the pet trade, causing major problems throughout the majority of their range.

As one of our closest relatives, the orangutan (or ‘man of the forest’ as they are otherwise known) is one of the planet’s most distinctive and beloved animals. Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, orangutans are currently only found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The most arboreal of the great apes; there are sadly now thought to be only 45 - 69,000 (wwf.panda.org) wild orangutan remaining, with many experts arguing that these beautiful animals (both Bornean and their Sumatran counterparts) could become extinct in as little as twenty five years.

“Responsible or sustainable tourism is an emerging field, and The Great Projects’ ethos is one that completely complements it”.

Fortunately, there are companies and charities completely dedicated to reversing this trend and help in the rescue and rehabilitation of these “men of the forest” – one of mankind’s closest relatives. These include companies like ‘The Great Projects - a unique company that are operating on the fringes of the travel market. Responsible or sustainable tourism is an emerging field, and their ethos is one that completely complements it - particularly with regards to orangutan conservation on their founding project, the ‘Great Orangutan Project’ and the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’ – both situated in the stunning destination of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. These unique one of a kind projects offer volunteers the chance to really get stuck in with ongoing orangutan conservation work and maintenance of both the Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centres in Kuching.

Not only will you be able to help

out with vital orangutan conservation work on both of these trips, but as a volunteer you will also be working towards the rehabilitation of these magnificent apes – an incredible experience that will remain with you for many, many years to come. Volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the conservation initiatives whilst on these projects, working to create vital sources of enrichment and improving general husbandry standards for not only orangutans, but also the sun bears, gharials and clouded leopards resident at the Matang Wildlife Centre.

What’s more, volunteers will also get the chance to explore the stunning destination of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo throughout the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’. Incorporating the intrepid destinations of Bako and Batang Ai National Parks, where travellers are able to be completely engrossed into local tribal life, with the chance to work alongside orangutans

THE GREAT PROJECTS“Shockingly, orangutans could become extinct in as little as twenty five years…”

at the Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centres - this eco-tour really is a one of a kind adventure. What better way to combine Sarawak’s iconic attractions with a taster of volunteering?

Additionally, as volunteers are so vital to the conservation work, The Great Projects pledges that for every booking made, they will donate up to a third of the cost directly to the projects themselves and the charity partners with which they are associated. Donations are built into the price of each individual project, and much of that has gone on to help

The Great Projects offers travellers the chance to join ‘The Great Orangutan Project’ and the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’ in Sarawak, Malaysia from only £1095 per person. For more details, please visit www.thegreatprojects.com or call them on +44(0)208 885 4987.

support the Matang Wildlife Centre and the orangutans resident within it.

With an overall aim and ethos to really help as an integral part of wildlife conservation, the unique opportunities offered by The Great Projects are second to none. Enquire today to start planning your trip of a lifetime and aid orangutan conservation in the beautiful Bornean destination of Sarawak.

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