"Life as an International Relations student in Aberystwyth is a far cry from rehabilitating orang-utans in the Bornean jungle. But, for two months in the summer of 2003, that was exactly what my life consisted of.
Having found this unique programme organised by Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Western gap company Travellers, I applied straight away as it was something I'd always wanted to do.
For the first month, myself and fellow volunteer Rachel Bush worked in the Indoor Nursery supplementing Malay staff. Our main task was to care for two orphaned babies nicknamed Joey (then 6 months) and Rosalinda (then 8 months).
At this stage of their life they needed near-constant care; we fed them every two hours, bathed them twice daily and prepared them for night-time. When we weren't occupied with this we had to tend to the ill and/or newly-arrived orang-utans in quarantine, as well as two groups of juvenile orang-utans.
For the second month, we were in the Outdoor Nursery, helping at the more advanced stages of rehabilitation. This involved trekking through the rainforest with 10 kilos of bananas and milk on our backs twice a day in the equatorial heat to entice the newly released orang-utans into the jungle.
It was so rewarding to see the orphans timidly venturing along the ropes, climbing the trees and eventually reaching the platform (often attempting to steal bananas from our baskets en route)! And every so often we'd be visited by grown, fully wild adult orang-utans whod attempt to run off with the food!
The whole experience has had an enormous impact on me. It's made me realise just how highly developed, individual and caring orang-utans are; how it is so tragic that they now face extinction and how, despite all our best efforts and all we achieved, there is still much more to be done.
Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre does extremely valuable work as do Sepilok Orang-Utan Appeal UK, WWF and the many other organisations and individuals fighting for the orang-utans and against the callous, mercenary decimation of the rainforest. But this is not enough - it needs to be accompanied by more fundamental changes.
There are a myriad of problems, a whole web of inter-related, intricate issues dovetailing into each other which have to be solved if there is any long term hope."
Written by Abigail Dymond from University of Wales Aberystwyth.
your comments
Maria De Vito
I went to Borneo earlier this year to see the orangu-tans. I was shocked by the devastion that palm oil causes to the orangu-tans habitat & how many companies use palm oil in the UK, i no longer buy any products with palm oil in it, they label it as vegetable fat but there is a list from the independent which lists all the companies that use palm oil such as Cadbury, kingsmill,mars & nestle & there are many more
Wed Nov 4 15:15:00 2009
Bea Viña - Cowie, Southport
I have always wanted to volunteer with orangutans and other animals ever since I can remember and wish to do a similar thing as Abigail, handling the baby orangutans and caring for the orphans! Does anybody know how I can achieve this lifetime ambition?
Mon Sep 7 14:00:41 2009
Emma
My whole life I have wanted to work with orangutans in a rehabilitation clinic. As I don't have any veterinary qualifications it is appearing difficult. If anyone knows of anyway I could do it I would love to hear from them.
Fri May 29 10:36:17 2009
Pauline from Belfast
I visited Borneo a few years back for the simple reason - Orange-utans. I did get to visit Sepilok and seen many orang-utans whilst there. The work they do is wonderful. Tourists were only allowed to a certain point in the forest and from a close distance could watch the orang-utans however at no stage where any of the tourists handling them.
Thu Mar 26 09:55:10 2009
Katy Evans
I am just so impressed with the work of these people, how can we donate to the organisation? And is there any requirements for my self i am a student training to be a paramedic. Please get intouch
Tue Mar 24 16:27:41 2009
Amanda Keating , Cambs
It's so nice to see and read just how many people do care for these beautiful orangutans.This is something i would love to do at some point in my life but it's not possible at the moment, so i will be donating. If every person who cares for them could donate even a small amount, it would all add up. The work they do out there is just amazing.
Thu Mar 19 09:56:41 2009
Nicky Jones - haverfordwest
Have always had a soft spot for these intelligent and beautiful creatures, i am horrified by the level of destruction that is affecting them, would love to help and actually work with them how do i do this
Tue Mar 10 09:21:11 2009
Bethany , west midlands
Ever since I was little i've always wanted to work with orangutans.What qualifications do I need to work with orangutans?Your story has really touched me and I want to make a difference too.I am never eating chocolate again.
Fri Mar 6 11:07:17 2009
TRACEY from west yorkshire,England
Ive just decided to go wheat free.bought a pkt of pretzels and ate half of them b4 looking at ingredients.there it was...PALM OIL,oh i was devasted.sounds awful but i threw them back up and the rest went in the bin.if im in the supermarket and see any1 attempting to buy them i put them off.i adopt my orangutans at monkey world in dorset who also do the most fantastic work with many other primate species2.i recommend a visit to any1 who wants to help save these gorgeous and endangered primates.id love to go to borneo to volunteer but im 2soft.I'd get 2attached.i dont blame them 4not letting people handle the orangs,at the end of the day they're not babies,they recieve the love and care they need,sufficient to re-enter them back into their normal(which should be rightful) habitat.the volunteers at these sanctuarys dont coo coo them and mollycoddle them as someone "FRANK" referred,they try and show them the way to go in a loving,safe way.JUST AS ANY MOTHER WOULD DO!!and i havent even got kids, its a natural thing to do if you find something abandoned,scared and needing help.Im all 4the orpahanges and thank god for the people with the compassion to do the work that they do but I WISH WITH ALL MY HEART THAT THERE WASNT A NEED FOR THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE.xxx
Wed Mar 4 09:38:32 2009
vicki from manchester
Working with orangutans has always been a life long goal of mine and I would love to know how I can get involved in helping! I am unemployed and have got no money for donating etc! But have time on my hands and would love to help in any oyher way I can by working with the orangutans ! Is there any volenteering programmes that I can get involved in as I would love to divote my life to caring for these animals! I would be happy to move wherever is required !
Sun Mar 1 19:46:02 2009
Madison Jannaay
I would love to get involved with working with orangutans. I was wondering who I could contact to work with them. I have wanted to for so long.
Sun Mar 1 19:45:42 2009
Janet Riddell. Haddington. Scotland
I never realised this was going on with Orangutans in Borneo until I got the DVD.s from my Library, I cried for nights after it, and have watched the Dvds. over and over again, it is so sickening what is happening to them. I am a pensioner now but I wish I was young again and took up some involvement with the organization.
Mon Jan 26 09:58:14 2009
Anni Koskeli, Finland
Is there any way I could take part of some projects like this? I would love to work with these amazing animals. Who should I contact and how?
Mon Jan 5 11:13:59 2009
Matt Harvey Hawaii
You are right Frank from Cambridge. These animals are naturally solitary, and by putting them in groups and teaching them to exist as a society is against their nature. But as we have learned from evolution animals will find a way to survive, and with their current situation, this is the only way for these wonderful animals to survive and not become extinct.
Mon Sep 22 07:33:26 2008
frank felton cambridge
I still fail to understand the amount of care, medicines(rare for the human populace who could use this medicine and equipment to stay alive),diapers and coddling people like you pour on these animals. In fact putting orangutans of any age in a group is totally against their nature(they are extremely solitary animals) this has and will ruin the orangutan future populace. You people coddle the animals diaper them coo coo to them and you fools even name them. This MAKES THESE ORANGUTANS PETS, NOT RESCUED ANIMALS BUT PETS!!!! Hypocrites of the first order you surely are. And of course your kind is pushing for human rights for apes???!!!! That alone is sickening!!! UGH!!!
Mon Sep 15 09:34:24 2008
Torid Fletcher, London
There is an up and coming household name in Orangutan conservation and how to volunteer at various wildlife centres in Malaysia and Borneo. Its called the Great Orangutan Project. It calls for a collaboration of ideas from local tribes, a conservation team and international volunteers. Many volunteers have made a real difference with them. Worth a look.
Mon Aug 18 09:40:34 2008
Rachel Murphy, Ireland
Hi,I was wondering if anyone had information about voluntary work with orangutans it's been a lifelong dream. I have been searching on the internet but a lot of the centre do not let you interact with the orangutans.Please help
Tue Jun 10 16:29:39 2008
Michelle Desilets from Oxford
If you want to help the orangutans featured on Orangutan Diary, Orangutan Island, Growing Up Orangutan, Saving Planet Earth and Apes in Danger, you will want to look at the organisation that runs that project: the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation is the largest primate rescueproject in the world, with nearly 1000 orangutans in its care. BOS is the only organisation actively rescuing wild orangutans from oil-palm plantations, as well as rehabilitating orphaned orangutans, displaced as a result of the relentless devastation of their habitat to clear land%! 20for palm oil production. BOS is committed to protecting the orangutan and its rainforest habitat, and relies entirely on donations to achieve this.
Mon May 26 21:16:26 2008
Christina Lopez
I have been involved in animal rescue for 15 years, mostly domestic or farm animals. I have been an animal activist since I was 13, I am an RVT (Registered Veterinarian Technician), for the last 15 years, I also do all kinds of rescue/foster, and have been training animals (mostly dogs) for 10 years. I would love to join your organization and be a volunteer. I truly would love the chance and opportunity to help these orangutans. The videos and shows that I have watched are so sad and disheartening, that makes me want to do whatever possible to help theses poor creatures.
Thu May 8 09:44:08 2008
Grace McGinty, Aberdeen
These are wild animals and they belong in the trees of the Bornean Rainforests. They are not meant to be held or cuddled by humans. The only reason that sanctuaries like the one at Nyaru Menteng exist is because of our thirst for palm oil and biofuels, ending up there because these orphans have lost their mothers at the edge of a machete. Countries like UK, US, India and China are driving this species to extinction. We are all to blame.
Wed Apr 16 16:17:32 2008
Francesca from Pennsylvania.
Ever since I have seen Orangutan Island on Animal Planet I have fell in love with Orangutans. I would love to work with orangutans, hands on not just admire them from afar. I know that their are so many baby orangutans being orphaned that they need as much help as possible. If just to feed them or hold them. Is their any way that this is possible???
Thu Apr 3 17:05:12 2008
Pamela Payne Bishop, Ca. 93514
Please send me any information you can about any programs that would allow mw to have hands on care of primates or orangutans.
Sun Mar 30 19:10:33 2008
vivian Nwosu from Wimbledon, London
My name's vivian, i'm unemployed at the moment and would love to work as a volunteer with orangutans. I've loved monkeys from a very young age and was wondering if you could tell me where i could start, what i need to do e.t.c. I've watched alot of programmes highlighting their plight and charties that rescue them e.t.c, and i would love to get involved in some way. Thanks for your time and patience.
Tue Mar 4 15:44:14 2008
Shona, Melbourne
I am excited I am raising money for a orang utan sancturay and it is great to know lots of people are supporting this sort of stuff. :)
Tue Feb 19 09:19:59 2008
Serena
I am only a kid but your story touched me and this is my life goal.Still in primary so im not cirten but so far this is the only thing that iv ever wanted to do.
Wed Feb 6 10:08:04 2008
Morgan, Wisonsin
I want to know how you get involved in these programs because i would really love to be a part of it.
Sun Dec 9 13:32:58 2007
Wendy Brune, Germany
I am concerned about the commments made by dj with reference to working in Sepilok. If someone is seriously considering working with Orangutans voluntarily then they must make sure that the vast amount of their money is being placed in the right hands and not being abused by unserious organisations that are only interested in their own pockets! Are volunteers tested for TB and Hep B before being allowed to work hands on with these beautiful creatures? If it is really true that only 25 pounds from the 2900 pounds paid actually goes back into the helping of orangutans then something is drastically wrong and people should start asking more questions. Is it a good idea that orangutans get used to the thousands of tourist that visit per year - surely this would have a detrimental impact on them should they be released back into the wild and straight into the hands of hunters after becoming used to us humans - doesn't seem right to me somehow! I would be grateful for any info regarding this matter!
Tue Nov 27 12:08:57 2007
Leona
Who is the best people to arrange visiting this centre as a volunteer?
Sun Nov 11 18:17:55 2007
Astrida Tendean, Indonesia
I'm one who likes orangutans, can you help me? I'm really interested and want to join with orangutan research. have you any information? I really need it.
Wed Sep 12 15:45:59 2007
dj
I hope this does not stop anyone from living out their dream and working at an orangutan sanctuary but i thought i would tell you what i have found. For the last 6 months i have been trying to arrange a years volunteering work working with mainly primates. I also wanted to volunteer with the orangutans and have found basically that most of the sanctuaries do not take volunteers for various reasons and some are even now shut to the public. There are three centres that allow you to volunteer, but two of these Do Not Allow You any hands on contact with the animals and the one that i believe Abigail went to is a private profit making company and will cost you approx £2900 for 8 weeks. The worst part about what i heard was that only £25 per £2900 goes back to the orangutan centre itself, they keep the rest! If you want to read about this have a look at the lonely planet forum and see what other people have said.
Tue Aug 28 09:00:47 2007
Gillian, Scotland
I,like Janine, am interested in moving to Borneo in the future to work within the orangutan orphanage however I am in my last year at school and was trying to find out what qualifications were required?? Any information on this would be great.
Mon Aug 13 09:43:57 2007
Janine Cantwell, Oldham
I am not a student, in fact I am a single mum who works full time, I am very interested to find out about any chances there are in moving to Borneo permanently in a few years to devote my life and time in working and saving the orangutan. I have no experience but I have devotion could you please forward me any information that you feel could help me with my future plans.
Mon Aug 6 09:01:51 2007
Sarah Connors from London
I have been researching and trying to find the most suitable program in Borneo as I have wanted to help for some time now. I am going travelling in November and what Abigail has done sounds amazing, could you please send me some info...
Thu Jul 26 09:45:31 2007
Georgie Perry Somerset
I am very interested in working with monkeys and it has been in my interest for years and one of my childhood dreams.I am very interested to do voluntry work with monkeys sometime in the coming year and just wondered if you knew of anywhere that could help me get more information.
Wed Jul 11 09:24:50 2007
Helen Todd UK
This world is just full of greed. We should let these creatures live in peace. If the 'big guys' out there can afford to destroy the forests etc, they should also be pooling money and resources back into the aftercare of these animals, in return for taking away their natural habitat in the first place. The governments are not 'powerless' - if they really cared about these animals some action would be taken!
Sun Jul 8 19:39:41 2007
Emma Powis
As a surgical Veterinary nurse from Australia now living and working in London, I am very interested in this line of work. I have been a veterinary nurse for seven years and has always been a dream of mine to work with Orang-utans. If any positions become available I would love to be notified.
Fri Jun 29 11:19:41 2007
Carla White -18 - Staffordshire - England
I have been searching and searching on the internet for voluntary courses like this one, but the ones that I've found need vets or builders; a problem when i am a nursery nurse! I was wondering if anyone has any details of places like Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre - as me and my boyfriend have saved money for ages and we just need that break - if you add a comment to the screen I will be checking this page from now on.
Fri Apr 27 10:06:24 2007
Katie McDonald, Sabah, Borneo
Please visit www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk a fantastic NGO that works tirelessly to assist the orangutans of Malaysian Borneo.The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Thu Apr 26 10:28:42 2007
Sarah Mawhirk, N.Ireland
These beautiful creatures are becoming extinct before our very eyes. It is up to us as individuals to start writing to our local supermarkets and MP's demanding that products be labelled with their palm oil content. This can be one way of showing the government that we are serious about saving this beloved species. I intend to visit an orangutan centre and spend a few months helping out so that I can come back to Northern Ireland and start raising awareness of this critically endangered ape.
Wed Apr 25 15:11:38 2007
Tom Williams, Minehead
Can you send the address for which I can send donations to save the orangutang.
Thu Apr 19 09:36:30 2007
G Carter, London
We have just watched the entire bbc series of the Borneo orangs at Sepilok on v tape .Why is the Borneo goverment allowing this destruction of the forests on such a massive scale? Who is responsible for controlling the forest? This is the creation of a society that will ultimately pay the price worldwide for an act that will always be remembered as the extinction of a unique enviroment & all the life within it.
Fri Apr 13 14:43:17 2007
Ann, N Wales
I cannot understand how governments are allowing the destruction of these rainforests to continue; what or who gives humans the right to have hand in these beautiful creatures demise? All they ask for is to be allowed to exist in their natural environment, so what gives people the right to bulldoze down their home? People make me sick, and I hold my hand up to the voluntary workers who give everything to helping save these endagered orang-utans.
Wed Apr 11 10:14:24 2007
Antonia Davis from Crawley
I think I wish that instead of building flats they should put the oil plants there. I feel really sorry for the orangutans. I wish that there was something i could do to help! If the orangutans could talk I think that all they would say is thankyou for saving me!
Wed Apr 11 10:04:28 2007
Tracey Kelly, Bristol
How sad that a primate that has as much right to this planet as us loses out to the need of others. If someone wanted to bulldozer our homes for crops it would not be allowed. What are the government doing to stop over-forestation?
Sat Apr 7 16:24:40 2007
Kaitlin Rowe from Cramlington
I wondered what it would be like to work with Orangutans if it would be stressful and hard work but then wondered what it would be like to be one of them abandoned Orangutans with all the forests being cut down for palma oil. But then i thought so what if it is gonna be hard work it would be worth it to see a happy and cheerful monkey clambering around you and running up and down trees and building nests. The one thing i would not like to do is go and take a Orangutan of a man and then the man say it don't matter if you take the monkey of me coz then i will just go back into the forests and kill a mother to get the baby and have it as a pet but they should not be allowed to have them as pets unless it is a sanctuary where they will still get to climb on trees and build nests on ground and up in the trees.
Sat Apr 7 16:24:24 2007
Ian Walker, Cramlington, Northumberland, UK
My wife and I appreciate the work done by the BBC in highlighting these Natural issues and the work done by the dedicated people who do such demanding work.How can individuals like us help these people ?
Sat Apr 7 16:23:24 2007
Dina Tandon from Bow, London
I am writing to you after i read all the things people have written all about the orangutangs.I am 14 and would love to be wildlife vet and help all animals across the world.I would like it if you could send me some names of colleges and unversitys that i could study at.Anywhere in Britain would be nice.
Wed Apr 4 15:08:53 2007
Jo, Nottingham
The BBC have aired a programme about this organisation tonight and I found myself really moved by it. I sat and watched it as I nursed my own baby and felt so moved by the plight of those orphans. Hopefully this programme will have raised awareness. I cannot donate my time, but I am intending to donate some money to help with such a good cause.
Tue Apr 3 09:54:39 2007
Kim Connery
Does anybody have the details/phone number for Sepilok?
Tue Nov 28 09:27:56 2006
Sally, Norfolk
I also did this project in May 2005 and I have to say it was the best experience of my life so far & am planning on going back for a visit soon. The Orangutans are the most beautiful creatures and are so intelligent! I miss them so much!
Tue Oct 24 09:19:14 2006
Stephanie Cox,, Somerset England
I went on this project in May of this year and had an absolutely amazing time alo. They truly are amazing creatures and i would definitely urge people to continue to support the Sepilok Orangutan Appeal that helps fund all the work for the rehabilitation of these amazing animals.
Thu Oct 19 09:35:18 2006
Stephanie Willetts, West Midlands
All my life i have dreamed of working with orangutans as they are such beautiful animals. I can't believe, we as humans, are allowing the demise of one of our closest relatives. I hope that one day i can join the fight to stop the extinction of such a wonderful animal and allow my children to see them in their natural environment and not behind bars, in a zoo. Please, i urge you not to buy products that contain palm oil as you are contributing to their extinction. Long live the orangutan!
Wed Oct 11 13:55:02 2006
willma hill georgia usa
My husband and I are in our mid-fifties. We would love to volunteer for a short time to help the orphan orangutans. We could do whatever we were told. But, how do we go about this work? Who do we talk to?
Mon Aug 21 09:14:31 2006
Louise Harrison
March 2004, I spent three months at Sepilok as a volunteer with the Sepilok Orangutan Appeal UK, raising awareness of the Centre and the charity that works hand in hand with the Centre. This was truly a challenge of a lifetime for me, as I have never travelled on my own before, but the chance I was given by the Charity to do this, I will always be eternally grateful. Anyone can do the same as me. At 56, one is never too old. Go for it. Good Luck.
Wed Apr 26 09:47:22 2006
Jenny Reddy Holland
Having been five times to Borneo, and seen the wonderful work done at Sepilok rehabilitation Centre,I feel sad to see the rain forests being destroyed but the palm oil industry is very big in Malaysia and does of course provide many jobs for the local people. Let us hope that the main rain forest areas in Borneo will not be taken over for the palm oil industry.
Mon Mar 27 12:12:49 2006
Cathryn Humphrey from West Sussex
My husband and I spent a week in the Rain Forests of Borneo as part of our honeymoon. There is an abundance of wildlife as well as the Orang-utans which depend on the rain forest for survival. It is tragic that the demand for palm oil could wipe out several species. We didn't manage to see Orangs whilst in the forest, but did visit Sepilok. It is a wonderful place doing very valuable work to try and protect this beautiful species. Surely the price of palm oil should not include the extinction of orang-utans and other animals who have as much, of not more, right as humans to the natural habitat.
Mon Feb 27 09:12:18 2006
Melissa from Oklahoma
Thank you for your work and care for the precious orangutan babies. Everyone who takes a stand for them can and will make a difference. Please keep talking and sharing your story to help others make a difference too!
Thu Nov 17 18:58:16 2005
Helen, Shrewsbury
Please don't eat chocolate that contains palm oil. The producers of chocolate need palm oil for certain chocolate products. There is such a high demand for palm oil that the forests that sustain the orangutang habitats are being destroyed just to provide palm oil. Is your bar of cheap chocolate and some of your household toiletries and cleaning products really worth the demise of these beautiful creatures????????
Fri Oct 14 22:58:12 2005
Alexandra Wolf from Fort Worth Texas USA
What a delight these beautifull creatures are. You have done what I would have loved to do. I am English and have an Aunt who lives in Aber. I love Aber. and hope to visit soon.
Sat Sep 18 18:09:50 2004
Amanda Jane Baker
As a fellow student I have to say well done Abigail, I have long followed the plight of the Orang-utans and also the mountain gorrilas through the media and memberships with The Dian Fossey organisation and WWF.
We need more people like you to go out and see these centres in action and then come back and tell your story where ever you can, it is the only hope these amazing creatures have.
Thu Apr 8 17:35:44 2004
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Aberystwyth university student Abigail Dymond writes about the summer she spent caring for orang-utans in the Bornean jungle. 
