In support of our work rescuing orangutans in Borneo, IAR is making May a month of ‘Orangutan Action’ and offering volunteers a wealth of exciting ways to get involved.
International Animal Rescue runs an emergency rescue centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, where our expert team cares for a growing number of the great apes. Some are tiny babies that have been callously snatched from their mothers in the wild, others are fully grown adults that have spent years in captivity. With 25 orangutans in its care, the centre is now almost full to bursting. Thankfully, a generous supporter of the charity has provided funding to buy 24 hectares of land nearby and construction of a much larger, orangutan conservation centre is already underway. The new facility will accommodate up to 100 orangutans at a time but funds are still desperately needed to complete the construction, equip the facility and pay for the animals’ ongoing care and rehabilitation.
The long term aim is to reintroduce the orangutans into protected areas of forest where they are in no danger from deforestation by the palm oil industry which destroyed their home. In preparation for this, the site will include large, free-roaming enclosures where they can climb and forage and develop the natural skills they will need to fend for themselves in the wild.
There are all kinds of fun ways in which you can support this exciting project during Orangutan Action Month:
Adrenaline junkies might choose to ‘take the plunge for primates’ by making a skydive on 14 May. IAR has already booked places in six locations around the UK where volunteers can make a sponsored 10,000 feet freefall parachute jump in aid of the orangutan project. All you need to do is get friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you before you take to the skies! » Take the plunge for primates
If you feel the sky is the limit for volunteering, you can still be an orangutan action hero with your feet firmly on the ground. Join the race to save orangutans by taking part in the Superhero Run in Regents Park, London on Sunday 15 May. With FREE superhero costumes and goody bags and a lower age limit of 8 years old, the 5km or 10km run is fun for all the family. Crawl it, walk it, skip it or sprint it - the important thing is to take part and raise some funds for the orangutans! » Join the race to save orangutans
And for those who prefer pedal-pushing to pounding the streets, there’s an event for you too! On Sunday 29 May the Richmond/Windsor cycle is taking place, with three different routes of 25, 50 or 100 miles to choose from in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Now in its second year, this is an extremely popular event. So, as with all these events, please contact us now to avoid disappointment! » Pedal for primates
Finally, you can literally help to build the orangutans’ future by volunteering with The Great Projects organisation. Led by The Great Projects Head of Conservation Leo Biddle, the first team of volunteers sets off for Ketapang on 15 May to assist with the building of the new orangutan conservation centre. Says Leo: “This project will certainly highlight the “great” in the Great Projects. Building a rehabilitation centre from the ground is set to be a defining moment in my life and I want to share that with my team and fellow volunteers.” » Help build a future for orangutans
For further information on how you can take part in these, or any other fundraising events, please contact Community and Events Fundraiser Jo Sim by email or by calling 01825 767688.