Short-term Volunteer - Orangutan Health Project

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The Orangutan Health Project (OHP) is located in North Sumatra, Indonesia and investigates the special behaviours and ecological conditions necessary for the maintenance of health in wild orangutans, using parasitic infections as a measure of this health. By volunteering with OHP, you will be contributing to the research and conservation goals of the project. It is a two week position based in Sumatra which includes a 5 day trek into the Gunung Leuser National Park.

Possible research tasks at base:

Taking pictures and drying collected plant samples
Keeping temperature, humidity and weather records updated
Helping to maintain the project base

Entering behavioural data

Making new herbariums of important medicinal plant species

Tasks in the forest:

Helping to collect medicinal plant samples that will be further analyzed in Europe

Locating areas with a significant wild orangutan population
Finding and following orangutans to collect behavioural data, faecal and plant samples

As a volunteer you will learn the day in day out tasks of the project and be given presentations about the project research, orangutan parasites and the problems surrounding the National Park. You will also gain an insight into the local culture and how to act appropriately.

The most important fact - there will be absolutely NO physical contact with the orangutans. If you are hoping to come so that you can cuddle one of these amazing creatures, then this is not for you. This rule will be strictly enforced if necessary. We also cannot guarantee encounters with orangutans - our research focuses on wild orangutans and much of our work therefore takes place in areas where the orangutans themselves can be quite elusive, often staying high up in the canopy or traveling to other areas where more fruit is in season.

Qualifications/Experience:

Interest in orangutans and conservation
Fluent in English
Good physical fitness

Cost of 2 Week Expedition:Starts every first Monday of the Month
US$1,289 (excluding flights, insurance and tourist visa) / US$990 for students (excluding flights, insurance and tourist visa).

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation, 3 meals a day, water and all transport associated with the project are included.

Application procedures:

Please email us at orangutanhealth@gmail.com requesting an application form.