I have an amazing opportunity to travel to Sumatra (Indonesia) in October 2017 on a 10 day expedition to enable me to work with leading conservation organisations such as Pan Eco, (SOCP), (YEL) and the (OIC), all of whom are making a real contribution to help save the endagered Sumatran Orang-tans and saving Sumatra’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

I will be working with experienced experts and guides undertaking field research that may include; Orang-utan nest counting, identifying food species and discovering how Orangutans live in the wild. The project will also include an amazing Jungle river journey deep in the jungle forests to help with project work at the SOCP’s remote Sikunder Research Station.

Sumatra is the 6th largest island in the world and has some of the most extraordinary wildlife, wilderness and culture on this planet. It’s hot and humid, with incredible jungles – making it a very challenging environment. The forests are home to Sumatran Elephants and its own species of Sumatran Orang-utan, Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Rhino, Flying lizards, Snakes and Frogs; none of which are found anywhere else on the planet!

Using established links with universities and species experts, I will have the opportunity to undertake night walks, to learn first hand about Sumatra’s incredible nocturnal creatures and a range of daytime jungle treks to discover the myriad plant, insect, amphibian and bird species.

The Orang-utan Haven is a new project planned by the Pan Eco Foundation and educational centre, established by the SOCP, to create a rainforest information and education centre including a sanctuary for rescued Orang-utans that cannot be returned to the wild because of injury or illness. I will have the opportunity to help the cultivation and harvesting of fruit and other crops for rescued and orphaned Orangs and to visit the medical quarantine centre for a guided tour of its Orang-utan rehabilitation and veterinary facilities.