APE | Volunteer-Zoo & Borneo

Home

Wild Orangutan Encounters

Improve conditions of various animals in captivity through creating environment and food enrichment;

Work alongside zookeepers to raise the quality of current enrichment and protocol standards in Malaysian zoos;

Carry out habitat restoration at the Lower Kinabatangan floodplains where flora and fauna are abundant but threatened by diminishing habitat;

Conduct wildlife population density data gathering under the auspices of the Sabah Government;

Observe and appreciate the orang-utans, pygmy elephants and other endangered species, understand their life cycles and the intricate biodiversity roles;

Raise awareness on responsible living and travelling among tourists, local community and students;

Understand the threats to habitat and wildlife and to make a personal impact, bringing positive change.

Note: Programmes are subject to change depending on community and/or zoo calendar.

26 days: January, March, May, July, August, October, December, starts 22nd of each month, ends on the 16th of the following month
28 days: January - December, starts 5th of each month, ends 28 days later

Day 1

ARRIVAL & WELCOME

Arrive Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and transfer to dormitory-style accommodation.

1800 hours, meet at lobby for welcome dinner & introduction to the programme.

Day 2

ORIENTATION

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the project site. You will be be shown your accommodation and a full orientation of the zoo and local landscape will be conducted by our facilitator.

Day 3 – 14 or Day 3 - 16

PROJECT DAYS

You will work alongside the facilitator and zookeepers to create enrichment and improve vairous aspects of animal welfare. Husbandry will be carried out on a daily basis while mini projects may include construction, design of enclosures, working with children or visitors, research and planting.

Day 15 or Day 17

GOODBYE ZOO & TRANSFER TO SABAH

Final working morning at the zoo. After saying goodby to the animals and zookeepers, you will be sent to the airport for your late evening flight to Sandakan
Arrive Sandakan Airport (SDK) and transfer to dormitory-style accommodation.

Day 16 or Day 18

INTRODUCTION WELCOME TO SANDAKAN

Sandakan is a lovely little town that starts becoming lively at 5am. Spend the day exploring its nooks & crannies. Take a walk along the seafront or check out the many old town shops. If you feel adventurous, seek out a sumptuous seafood lunch in one of the water-village restaurants.
1600 hours, meet at lobby. Transfer to dormitory-style accommodation.
Welcome dinner & introduction to the 2nd half of the programme.

Day 17 – 24 or Day 19 - 26 (B, L, D)
PROJECT DAYS
After breakfast, transfer to Project Site.

After showing you to your accommodation, your will be given a thorough Health & Safety briefing as well as an orientation around the village.

The project involves wildlife observation to collect important wildlife population data. Habitat restoration work involves tree-planting and maintenance activities at high priority areas. These are crucial in connecting fragmented forest in the area to encourage healthy orang-utan and pygmy elephant populations. Community and Education programmes involve interaction with the villagers and the students of the village school.

Day 25 or Day 27

SEPILOK

Depart for Sepilok. Walk through the Rainforest Discovery Centre to reinforce what you have learned about the rainforest the last few days. After lunch, visit Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre where you will learn about the challenges of orang-utan rehabilitaion. After this learning session, you will head into Sandakan. Check into accommodation. Free at leisure. Try to catch the sunset from the rooftop bar.