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I
conic 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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