Info

Orang-Utans are highly endangered Malaysian wildlife. Found only in Borneo and Sumatra, the Orang-Utans’ survival is constantly threatened by forest fires, felling of trees, poaching and illegal hunting.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre is located near Sandakan, in Malaysian Borneo and was set up as a means of housing injured or orphaned Orang-Utans. The aim is to care for them and nurse them back to health before they can be released into the forest.

Many Orang-Utans that end up here have strayed into logging camps or been rescued from captivity. Many are orphaned babies that cannot survive in the forest alone. When the rescued Orang-Utans first arrive at the centre, they are often in a sorry state and riddled with diseases. They are put into cages while they're treated for their ailments and nursed back to health. The wardens then teach them how to forage for fruit, climb trees and generally fend for themselves.

When they are mid-way through the rehabilitation process they are released into the surrounding forest reserve. The animals then spend most of their time in the forest but often return to one of the Centre's five feeding platforms for a “free” meal. When the wardens feel that that an Orang-Utan is fully rehabilitated, it is caught and returned to the wild - usually deep in the forest or to one of the National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.


YOUR WORK AT SEPILOK

Your duties may vary depending on what is required at the time. During your placement it is likely that you will:
• Learn about Orang-Utan Husbandry Management by working in both the Indoor and Outdoor Nursery.
• Learn about Orang-Utan Paediatric and Veterinary Care.
• Conduct a Field Survey on the Orang-utan population in Sepilok Reserve.
• Conduct a Nocturnal Animal survey.

Work will be done on a rotational basis, with different groups of volunteers working within each of the different departments outlined above. You'll spend about 50% of your time working in direct hands-on contact with the Orang-Utans and about 50% of your time will involve helping support the conservation efforts of the centre (e.g conducting surveys, trekking in the jungle etc).


WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure!
► The rewards from helping others and Making a Difference!
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!


WHAT TO DO NEXT

►Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
►Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
►If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
►If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
►It’s as easy as that.


OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY

"For me, the relationships we developed with the orang utans made each day a special one – whether it was giving Anne a bath; watching Rosalinda sleeping in her hammock; giving Joey a cuddle; trying to stop Amoi from running underneath the buildings; taking the babies out on the ropes; watching those orang utans who have already been rehabilitated swinging in the trees; or hundreds of other experiences we had each day that made us realise how lucky we were to be there." Michelle Hatfield

Duration

Available all year round with specific start dates every two months. Just ask us and we will have the info for you!Every two months, please ask us for dates Duration 8 weeks. This is a fixed-length project and you cannot do shorter or longer periods on the project. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Every two months, please ask us for dates. This is a fixed project and runs for 8 weeks. Eight weeks may seem like a long time, but you will fall in love with this project that you may have trouble leaving when the time comes..!

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £2995 for eight weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.