Orangutans

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Orangutans are two of the species of great apes and are native to Malaysia and Indonesia. The name ‘orangutan’ translates too “old man of the woods” in Malay. They spend the majority of their time in trees where they make a new nest every night. Currently they are only found in rainforests on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra due them being highly endangered in the wild.

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Threats to orangutans include things such as habitat destruction due to logging, mining and forest fires has been increasing rapidly in the last decade. Much of this activity is illegal, occurring in national parks that are officially off limits to loggers, miners and plantation development.

 

Follow the links on the right to find out more —->

Matang Wildlife Centre is the official holding and release centre for Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. There are currently 6 orangutans being held there which they hope to release in time. Below I have posted some more information on two orangutans I have been lucky enough to come in close contact with – Ting San and Doris

 

6 Responses to “Orangutans”

  1. ian lane Says:

    missing you already I & C

  2. Kaki Shields Says:

    I am very interested in volunteering myself during the next summer, if possible. Would you be good enough to tell me who I should contact? Thank you. Kaki

  3. heather roberts Says:

    Hi Kaki

    If you look at the Great Orangutan Project website all the information on the project is there.
    There is a link from this site
    Happy reading and good luck

    Heather

  4. Natasha Dolley Says:

    Hi Heather,

    After a three year break for education after completing my BSc in anthropology I have had changes in circumstances that have meant my interest again in the greatest of all living animals, the primates. Your site is so interesting and the whole idea of being a volunteer is very appealing, in the future I would be interested in the project would you recommend it?

    Thanks

    Natasha

  5. Jacqueline Graham Says:

    I am very interested in volunteering to work with Orang Utans it is something I have wanted to do for many years but never had the money to do so. Now I have but feel at 58 I am to old and just not fit enough, could you suggest something. The heat and humidity does not bother me but I do not think I could cope with building etc.

  6. fru Says:

    Hi Heather,
    My dreams are to be a more signicant player in in field of wildlife conservation especially with a focus on primates.It is also important to home grown talents to manage their wildlife.If you have any advise do not hesitate to let me know.
    FRU winston
    limbe wildlife center.

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