Volunteering in Borneo: Orangutans And Sun Bears Conservation
Situated with the Borneo tropical rainforest, this is one of the best volunteer placements in the world to see orangutans. The centre is home to 150 orangutans, 72 sun bears and other rescued animals.
As an Orangutan Program Volunteer, you are a key part of our enrichment and welfare program. Enrichment programs are vital for captive orangutans, teaching them how to forage for food, build, modify and use tools, increase agility, and develop skills to survive in the wild. Take this opportunity to leave a long-lasting impact on Indonesia’s wildlife, working hard to provide a meaningful future, not only for animals at the centre but also for the region’s wildlife for many years to come.
Volunteers play a key role in the enrichment of the orangutans and sun bears who have been rescued due to injury, illness and habitat loss.
You are responsible for preparing food, cleaning enclosures, providing enrichments and recording observations.
You make a positive difference to the lives of the animals at the centre by caring for and enriching the lives of these uniue animals.
You need to be flexible as activities or planned events can change at short notice depending on the needs of the animals. Activities include:
*Make enrichments for sick, non-releasable and rehabilitating orangutans and sun bears
*Observe orangutan and sun bear behaviour
*Assist the technicians in cleaning the yards
*Building feeding platforms or repairing animal habitats
*Forage and cut leaves and food for the bears and orangutans
*Take the boat out to orangutan island to watch feeding
*Assist carers with cleaning the orangutan islands
*Take night-time spotlight walks
Volunteers each get a day off each week to explore the area with activities such as the canopy walk, traiditional markets and the Black River Proboscis cruis
18 years of age.
Volunteers need to be flexible, full of enthusiasm and like a good day’s work!
It is important that volunteers are adaptable in terms of what work they are involved in and the centre will do their best to ensure you are involved in the projects you are most interested in.
You spend your days in hot and humid conditions. The work can be physically challenging but extremely rewarding.
The centre operates on a strict hands off policy as the animals are kept away from human influence and risk of injury to yourself or others. They aim to live as naturally as possible without human contact. It can be difficult but you should refrain from touching or engaging the animals in human-like communications or interactions unless you are given instructions to do so (such as for orphan surrogacy).
Sundays between October and March each year.
Arrive Sunday. Depart Saturday.
1 week program on request
2 week program: Arrive Sunday. Depart Saturday.
Start dates for 2 week duration:
Sunday 06/10/2024 – Saturday 19/11/2024
Sunday 20/10/2024 – Saturday 02/11/2024
Sunday 03/11/2024 – Saturday 16/11/2024
Sunday 17/11/2024 – Saturday 30/11/2024
Sunday 01/12/2024 – Saturday 14/12/2024
Sunday 05/01/2025 – Saturday 18/01/2025
Sunday 19/01/2025 – Saturday 01/02/2025
Sunday 02/02/2025 – Saturday 15/02/2025
Sunday 16/02/2025 – Saturday 01/03/2025
Sunday 02/03/2025 – Saturday 15/03/2025
Sunday 16/03/2025 – Saturday 29/03/2025
Start dates for 4 week duration:
Sunday 06/10/2024 – Saturday 02/11/2024
Sunday 03/11/2024 – Saturday 30/11/2024
Sunday 01/12/2024 – Saturday 18/01/2025
Sunday 19/01/2025 – Saturday 15/02/2025
Sunday 16/02/2025 – Saturday 15/03/2025
Send us a message to enquire for dates for 2025/2026 season.
2 or 4 weeks.
8am – 4pm, 6 days a week.
The on-site accommodation is in a lodge with stunning views of the rainforest. Two volunteers of the same sex will usually share a self contained room with their own small bathroom (toilet and hot shower), however we offer individual accommodation where possible. You can enquire by email for accommodation upgrades.
Communal areas include a pool table, lounge chairs and a viewing deck.
There is free (but unreliable) Wi-Fi.
Meals are tasty with a variety of local food, all containing steamed rice plus 3 choices of local Indonesian dishes. Dietary needs can, in most cases, be met, so please advise us when you apply.
There are snack options, which cost extra, but are great to fill an empty stomach in the late afternoon.
Fresh, filtered water and tea and coffee are provided.
The lodge bar has beer, juices and soft drinks as well as a few snacks. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset over the jungle hills with a cool drink.
From AUD $157 a day
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $2200 |
| 4 weeks | $4470 |
| Accommodation upgrades | are available, email us! |
What’s included:
- Pre-departure support
- Project Information Pack
- Balakpapan airport transfers
- Arrival orientation
- Accommodation
- Meals
- All necessary training by staff and/or volunteers
- O2E T-Shirt (if travelling from Australia)
- 24-hour in-country support
- 24-hour O2E emergency phone
- Certificate of Participation, if requested
Emma D.
Sweden
"It was hands-on, hard work and very satisfying.
The highlight of each day was watching the keepers distribute
the new enrichment items and observing and noting
how the orangutans interacted with them.
I was moved to tears! "
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