Our red-haired cousins
May 24, 2009 by Luka
Tanjung Puting National Park has three rehabilitation centres for Orangutans within its borders. It is said to be the best place to encounter these wonderful apes in their natural habitat. This was the main reason that we decided to visit it. In previous post you can read how we got there and how does it look like being there. But let’s get now to the Orangutans…Orangutans are found only in two places in the world, Sumatra and Borneo islands. Main population of Orangutans live on Borneo, but even there they are highly endangered due to poaching and loss of habitat. The situation is alarming, the time for Orangutans is running out!
But there is also a bright side – there are numerous organisations that are trying to save Orangutans from extinction. One of them is Orangutan Outreach, which is a part of bigger organisation, BOS International. Neja and I just donated a small amount to Orangutan Outreach and with their help we are trying to save a baby Orangutan that we found in a logging camp in the middle of Borneo jungle.
Huh, it is feeding time already! Let’s get some bananas!
I was late and all I found are these leftovers…
I love sugar cane!
Big Tom. Alpha male of Camp Leakey Orangutan population. He is trully majestic! Almost two times bigger than the other males.
Siswi. She is one of the smartest orangutans at Camp Leakey. She was playing around with these leaves and she made a hat out of it.
Sneaky orangutan.
Inquisitive baby Orangutan. His name is Percy, one of the most intelligent individuals at Camp Leaky.
Percy, begging for some more sugar cane.
Rules of the Camp Leakey rehabilitation centre. Some of the rules are constantly broken by visitors AND guides. Remember, these rules are here for our own and orangutan safety.
Tanjung Puting is undoubtedly a great place to see Orangutans. Sightings at feeding stations are almost guaranteed and there are reasonable chances to see them in the wild too. We were lucky and we spotted two wild orangutans while cruising the rivers of Tanjung Puting. We spent three days in the park and when I look back I wish we would stay there longer. Anyway, I can say this was the most amazing experience of all our Borneo adventures!
Do not forget to check the other posts on Borneo!
And here is some literature we read during our trip:
This blog is about my two greatest passions; photography and travelling. I want to share my experiences with as many people as possible. If you like this place, leave me a comment and show it to your friends as well! Enjoy! 
Nice photos Luka. Fourth is my favorite. In addition, thanks again to both of you for inviting us to your itineraries. We enjoyed every minute of it. See you.
Anytime Andrej, thanks for comming!
Hi Luka & Neja,
Thank you so much for letting us know about Baby Peter. We’re doing everything we can to find him and bring him to one of our rescue centers. Hopefully the team will get to him soon! I’ll keep you posted….
Thanks as well for the link to Orangutan Outreach! Maybe we will get some more supporters in Slovenia!
Your pictures are gorgeous! Percy is getting HUGE! I remember him in 06…
Stay in touch! Reach out and save the orangutans! Rich {:(|}
stari vrhunske fotke. borneo rulz! ziher ena od najlepših stvari v mojem lajfu. mater bi šel kar takoj nazaj, med oranžne brate:) uživaj!
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!
I am slightly confused by your trip to the Orangutan (Camp Leakey) Centre. All the info I have come across says you can’t do independent trips to this centre but only through organized tour operators….? Can you explain how you actually arranged your trip please. My husband and I want to include this as part of our travel in Masy 2010 after a trip to Bali. I absolutely love your photos.
It is possible to travel indenpendently. Just ask for an english speaking guide at park HQ and arrange everything with him. the boat the entrance fees, the food, the cook,…..
if you need a contact send me a private mail…
Just want to tell you that your blog content is interesting, but you must improve site graphics