orangutan volunteer project with international animal rescue€¦ · orangutan volunteer project...

Orangutan Volunteer Project with International Animal Rescue

Loca�on: Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Indonesia (YIARI) Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilita�onCentre Ketapang, West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo

Dura�on: 11 nights or 22 nights, Focus: Construc�on and maintenance of a rehabilita�on and rescue centre

for the orangutan of West Kalimantan

International Animal Rescue

Volunteer Project


Volunteer Project

Contents

Page 1. ............................................................................Title page

. .............................................................................Contents

Page 4-5.................................About Interna�onal Animal Rescue

Page 6...................................................................Why Volunteer?

Page 7-8.........................................................General Informa�on

Page 9.................................................................. Your Daily Work

Page 11...........................................................................Free Time

Page 12................................................................Accommoda�on

Page 13....................................................................What to Bring

Page 14...........................................................Document Required

Page 14-15.........................................................Health and Safety

Page 16.......................................................................Vaccina�ons

Page 17............................................................................Checklist

Page 18.........................................................................Arrival Day

Page1 8............................................................ Indonesia Fact File

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Volunteer Project

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Interna�onal Animal Rescue (IAR) is a worldwide animal rescue and rehabilita�on organisa�on and was first registered as a charity in the UK in 1998. W h e r e v e r p o s s i b l e I A R r e t u r n rehabilitated animals to the wild but also provide permanent sanctuary for those that can't fend for themselves. IAR have offices in the UK and the US and ongoing projects in India, Indonesia and Malta. IAR works to educate the public in t h e c o m p a s s i o n a t e a n d h u m a n e treatment of all animals. They use sound sc ien�fic ev idence to in form our decisions and determine the course of our rescue opera�ons. In all that we do we aim to find las�ng solu�ons that benefit both animals and people.

Yayasan IAR Indonesia In 2007, IAR established as a formal local NGO in Indonesia, with the name Yayasan IAR Indonesia (YIARI) In 2009, YIARI began working in Ketapang, West Kalimantan Borneo, to rescue, rehabilitate and reintroduce orangutans in this province. YIARI took over a centre from a local NGO that was func�oning as a transit facility for orangutans before they would be passed on to other rescue centres in Central and East Kalimantan. However, due to number of increasing individuals entering, YIARI expanded its resources and facili�es and built a new rescue and rehabilita�on centre, opening in 2013, in the village of Sungai Awan. Since 2009, up to 203 orangutans have

b e e n r e s c u e d , t ra n s l o c a t e d a n d rehabi l i tated for re lease in West Kalimantan from YIARI. The project YIARI manages in Ketapang is an ambi�ous one that re q u i re s a n i m m e n s e a m o u n t o f resources and the �reless work by staff on the ground. Orangutans of all ages and size come to the centre, rescued from degraded forest, fires, conflict situa�ons, or from the illegal pet trade. The rehabilita�on and reintroduc�on process can take up to 7–8 years and r e q u i r e s t e a c h i n g o r a n g u t a n s behaviours that they would learn from their mothers in the wild, and then releasing them back in to secure areas of forest, where their protec�on can be assured. Unfortunately YIARI also have a number of older orangutans who have faced a life�me in cap�vity, either chained or imprisoned in small cages, and will never be able to be released. T h e n u m b e r o n e t h r e a t t o orangutans is the development of oil palm agriculture, illegal fires spreading in 2015 destroying key orangutan habitat, illegal pet trade as a bi-ac�vity o f t h e h a b i t a t d e s t r u c � o n a n d transloca�on of Indonesians that are encroaching on orangutan habitat. These ac�vi�es have all resulted in in West Kalimantan being one of the most heavily deforested areas of Borneo.

About Interna�onal Animal Rescue?


Volunteer Project

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YIARI have always believed that rehabilita�on is not the solu�on to the threat faced by orangutans, and the underlying causes of forest loss must be addressed. To aid this, YIARI have also i n t r o d u c e d k e y c o n s e r v a � o n programmes, establishing community d e v e l o p m e n t a n d e d u c a � o n programmes, and working with local private sector companies to secure o ra n g u t a n h a b i t a t i n a n d a ro u n d planta�ons. One of the focal programmes is the Human Orangutan Conflict Response Team, established in 2012. This team monitors orangutans at risk, or found in

degraded areas of forest or conflict situa�ons, and can quickly translocate such orangutans to more appropriate areas. They also provide training to communi�es in the most effec�ve conflict mi�ga�on methods, and work with our educa�on team to raise awareness of orangutan conserva�on issues in key communi�es. Without these, we would have to rescue far more orangutans than we currently do. You can learn more about our c o n s e r v a � o n a n d r e h a b i l i t a � o n programmes during your �me with us!

About Interna�onal Animal Rescue?


Volunteer Project

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Volunteer Project

Volunteering is a great way to get out and see the world, make new friends, spend �me outdoors,

experience new cultures and make a real-world difference in environmental conserva�on and social movements. This volunteer program asks for par�cipants that are willing to work incredibly hard to help build a future for the orangutan of West Kalimantan, both those that are already resident at the centre and those that need protec�on in the wild. It will be a challenge, but one you will find hugely worthwhile and immensely sa�sfying. Volunteers leave a tangible impact behind, and develop skills along the way that you would have never use in your “normal” life, and very much contribute to the present and future conserva�on of the Borneo orangutan. Volunteering is perhaps a misleading name for the opportunity we offer at YIARI. It is more than working for free – volunteers pay to join us on our project, and through this fee are actually funding a huge amount of required materials, essen�al members of staff and works

Why Volunteer?

Ketapang

Ketapang just lies south of the equator, and is therefore incredibly hot and

humid, with temperatures that reach as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels of as much as 96%. Although climate change is severely affec�ng rainfall and the onsets of the two seasons Indonesia has (wet and dry), visitors should expect that the dry season is between June and October, and the wet season between November and May. December to March tend to be the we�est months in Kalimantan, par�cularly February, so volunteers at this �me should expect rainfall, storms and occasional flooding. During the dry season, it is common for people to set fire to their land to prepare it for future agricultural seasons. In the dry condi�ons, these fires o�en spread out of control and can destroy large areas of forest, and blanket the region in thick smoke. During these �mes, condi�ons in Kalimantan can be extremely challenging.

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Volunteer Project

To par�cipate on this project, a good level of fitness is required. The work is physical,

and the heat and humidity add a challenging extra layer to this. Though there is a working schedule and plan for each volunteer group, please be aware you are coming to an opera�onal rescue and rehabilita�on centre, and we cannot predict what may happen each day, with poten�al new arrivals or any of the current orangutan under the centre's care. YIARI ask that volunteers are willing to be flexible, and are tolerant of poten�al delays in or changes to the planned work as different projects may get re-priori�sed.

You will also need pa�ence as you adjust to 'Borneo �me' – volunteers o�en come to the project with huge amounts of enthusiasm and energy to plough into the work, which is a massive asset and posi�vely impacts on the energy levels of the full �me staff. However, please be aware that within a 2-3 week project, you will simply be adding a helpful and necessary piece to a much larger puzzle, and

you should not expect the world of orangutan conserva�on to make great strides forward in the �me frame of your project.

The Indonesian approach to work is also vastly different from the Western mentality. Speed and efficiency are replaced by relaxa�on and a dis�nct lack of urgency, regardless of the importance of the task. You will not change the mind-set of a na�on in a short period of �me, so please prepare to embrace this cultural difference rather than display frustra�on and/or incredulity at the local labouring techniques and ethos.

Your role – general informa�on

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Volunteer Project

You should remember that:ü One of the reasons you are there is to facilitate the improvement of conditions for all the animals

in the future.ü You can always ask ques�ons- there are explana�ons as to why each individual animals has

ended up at the centre, and is in its current housing. These reason can be complex and varied, but we feel that to get most out of your experience your should learn about some of the issues facing both conserva�onists and animal keepers in the developing world. Unfortunately, there is not a simple solu�ons available for many of the animals that find themselves in centres like ketapang, but IAR are commi�ed to and in it for the long term with the hope to relelise many improvements over �m

ü It is not always possible to improve the condi�ons for one individual Orangutan or group of Orangutan in the short �me you will be with us on the project. However your efforts to help us reached greater desirable outcomes is appreciated and we ask you to go home and help spread the word about YIARI amazing frontline efforts and ways people can become a part of a solu�on!

ü When you volunteer with YIARI, you are treated as temporary members of staff. We expect you to par�cipant in any and all jobs that are required for the centre's maintenance and development. We do not necessarily save 'best' jobs for volunteers, or 'worst' jobs (though it may some�mes feel that way!); we will distribute your labour to areas in need of a�en�on at the �me you are with us, as we would with any member of staff. To this end, you may also get to witness events that are only the privilege of full-�me members of staff.

ü You do not need any special skills or experience to be of use as a volunteer on this project. YIARI have many years of experience crea�ng programs and jobs that people from all backgrounds can par�cipate in and get real sa�sfac�on from doing so. If people do come to the project with prior experience and skills, YIARI want to know what you can offer! YIARI generally create jobs and projects that anyone with a reasonable fitness level can help with, as the majority of our volunteers do not have prior skills.

ü Please be aware that you are coming to work at an animal centre in a developing country. Standards of animal enclosure may not be the same as those you have seen in extremely Western zoos. YIARI are fully aware of the best cap�ve management, enrichment and husbandry techniques, although it is not always easy to implement what we know to be the ideal, given the facili�es, funding, external support and available workforce.

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ü Cleaning out canals that provide a fire break in the forest for the security of the centre and the orangutan.

ü Fixing perimeter fencing or installing electric fencing for all enclosures. The construc�on of many feeding pla�orms and climbing frames as permanent in situ enrichment for the day areas used by the young orangutans' resident at the centre.

ü Fixing boardwalks that are used daily to move the smaller orangutans to and from “baby school”

ü The construc�on of feeding pla�orms and climbing frames as permanent in situ enrichment for the day areas used by the young orangutans' resident at the centre.

ü Prepara�on of accommoda�on, some�mes at rather last minute no�ce, for the arrival of new orangutan to the centre

ü Crea�on of various enrichment devices, both in situ which will be semi-permanent inclusions (hammocks and �re vines) to enclosures and disposable, single-use-only items for the orangutan's immediate enjoyment

ü Plan�ng of trees to reforest new areas of land to prepare them as future pre-release islands sites.

ü Plan�ng and upkeep on the organic farm area where food is being grown for the orangutan including making organic compost.

ü Pain�ng cages that are prone to rust in the Indonesian climate


Volunteer Project

Your daily work

Volunteers work schedule is from Monday to Saturday star�ng at 9am and finishing at 4pm. On

Saturday you will have a half day to enjoy any a�ernoon ac�vi�es in Ketapang that you are

interested in. The �mes are subject to change due to weather condi�ons as these can hinder some of

the maintenance work so don't expect to follow the schedule too strictly. Most of your days will be

spent on construc�on or maintenance projects essen�al to advancing the construc�on of the centre.

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Volunteer Project

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Volunteer Project

You will have at least one free day a week, and your project facilitator will be happy to arrange excursions. However, many volunteers are more than happy for a day of simply

si�ng!

YIARI can arrange addi�onal ac�vi�es and these may include: ü Beaches surrounding Ketapang ü Visi�ng a tradi�onal Melayu house ü Indonesian barbeques, a hit with the staff and volunteersü An overnight stay in Pematang Gadung, a peat swap forest with high conserva�on value

and rich biodiversity, that YIARI is working to protect. This is a wonderful opportunity that shows the volunteers what it is like to live in the forest, and a rare chance to (hopefully) see orangutans in the wild. At night you may find yourself with some free �me a�er meals so make sure to bring some form of entertainment, whether this be cards, books or movies for everyone to enjoy.

ü A visit to Hutan Kota, a small forest in the city that is home to macaques and proboscis monkeys

Free �me

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Volunteer Project

There are a number of bedrooms, a toilet, wash room, kitchen and outdoor area. The toilet is Indonesian style, by which we mean a hole in the floor. There is not a shower, rather more tradi�onal w a s h i n g a p p a r a t u s i n t h e f o r m o f a container/bucket full of water and a scoop to pour the water over yourself. The cold water is also a welcome refreshment a�er a long day at work! There is wifi in the house but power cuts happen o�en so make sure to bring other forms of entertainment with you! The house as a whole and facili�es are certainly basic, though there have been no complaints from our past volunteers and we believe it is more than comfortable, as long as your expecta�ons are correct.

Accommoda�on

The accommoda�on will be basic, Indonesian style and shared, though we

will try to ensure that each volunteer has their own bedroom. Due to the nature of this project, the accommoda�on changes occasionally and our ul�mate aim is to have facili�es on site at the rehabilita�on centre itself. For the foreseeable future however, the shared house is located closer to the town of Ketapang.

What you will eat Although the increased size and popula�on of Ketapang has brought with it some new western-style restaurants and shopping centres, it is difficult to get most western foods and commodi�es, and volunteers should expect to eat a purely Indonesian diet for the dura�on of their stay. Most Indonesian cuisine has a meat component, usually chicken, most of your meals will be vegetarian however you can expect some fish or chicken served at dinner. Most food sta l l s (ca l led warungs in Indonesian) can accommodate vegetarians if you ask for the meat to be removed. If you have any dietary requirements please ensure you have le� us know so meals can be prepared accordingly. During your stay lunch and dinner is provided daily. Purchasing breakfast goods is easy and local supermarkets will o�en stock bread, cereal and other items for you to purchase for a breakfast. Ask your Volunteer Supervisor to take you shopping for these items when you arrive.

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Things to bring


Volunteer Project

ü We recommend you bring clothes that you do not mind ge�ng dirty or ruined. There is a washing machine at the volunteer house, which you can do your laundry for free. Easy to dry clothes are the best suited for a humid environment.

ü Expect to be hot, dirty and sweaty for most of the �me!ü To keep in contact with your friends and family at home it is the easiest that you get

an Indonesian SIM-card as soon as you are in the country, these can be purchased from airports.

Dress Code – Women When leaving the volunteer home, make sure that you dress modestly. This means NO bikinis or tank tops (t-shirts are acceptable), and trousers / shorts should cover from the knees. However, be considerate when you are around the local staff and do not wear bikinis when on the beach.

Dress Code – Men Always wear a t-shirt in the village.

YIARI respects all religions and cultures and therefore we encourage you to pack with the same respect and mindset.

ü Torch/head torchü Travel plug adapter – Indonesian

sockets are two round pinsü Ear plugsü Note book & penWatchü Reading booksü Mobile phone /Ipodü 2L water bottleü Long sleeve top x 1 T-shirtü Trousersü Shortsü Sarong / bather for underneath

clothes (shorts and top)ü Waterproofs/ponchos)ü Sturdy walking boots / sneaker

ü Sturdy sandals sü Flip flop Sturdy walking boots

sneakerü Sturdy sandalsü Flip flopsü Gardening glovesü Insect repellentsü Sunscreenü Vitaminsü Moisturising lotionü Binocularsü Cameraü Quick dry socksü Sanitary itemü Laptop/tablet

Item

A visa on arrival is all that is required to volunteer with the YIARI Volunteer Program, as we are classed as “volunteer tourism”. General notes on visa applica�ons:�ü Visa applica�ons o�en require proof of onwards travel, namely an airline �cket.ü Visa on arrival is unavailable for some countries, please contact your local

embassy for more details.ü Ensure that you apply for your visa well in advance of your planned departure

date (if a visa on arrival is not available).

Visa Requirements:

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Documents and Money:


Volunteer Project

You will probably not find much to spend your money on in Ketapang! This project is catered, though 'extras' like breakfast, so� drinks, alcohol and snack food won't be provided. Therefore, you will perhaps need a small float, though you can also draw money out of ATMs in the town. Having more than $100 in cash on your person is not recommended.

ü The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) ü Traveller's cheques and currency exchange are not available in Ketapang, so please

ensure you either bring cash with you, or you have a travel card that can be used worldwide.

ü Remember to take two photocopies of all your documents (e.g. insurance card, �ckets and passport). Leave one copy at home and take the rest with you. Also email a copy to yourself.

ü Check with your bank or card issuer for its compa�bility with local ATMsü Don't forget to inform your bank that you will be traveling overseas, to avoid any issues. ü Travel with the address and phone number of your country's embassy in Indonesiaü Call if you need help or advice.�ü Make at least a tenta�ve i�nerary and leave a copy with a friend or rela�ve.

Health and Safety:

ü YIARI preferred hospital for emergency treatment is: Rumah Sakit Fa�ma. h�p://ypkagus�nian.org/unit-ypka/rumah-sakit-fa�ma-ketapang/

ü You will need to show YIAR your travel insurance cer�ficate, which is covered for comprehensive services and medical treatements. .

ü Be sure to inves�gate what travel insurance best suits your individual needs.ü YIARI will not pay for any medical based emergencies at the local hospital, so ensure you have

a backup plan in place before departure and enough money to cover automa�c treatment (if required). We recommend you understand the repor�ng system if you need to make a medical claim, your travel insurance provider has in place before you depart.

ü You should ensure to bring sufficient quan��es of any medica�on which is rou�nely used e.g. inhalers for asthma. Below is a guide to what you may want to include in your fist aid kit

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Dressing and wound treatment

Plasters minor cuts, grazes and to prevent blisters

Anticseptic wipes Used to clean cuts and scrapes sustained from handling materials

Blister plasters To avoid blisters and infection from walking

Triangular Bandage For immobilising limbs

Safety Pins Variety of uses, not just for first aid

Latex Gloves For general hygiene and protection; worn whenever first aid administered

Antiseptic wash/wound Wash / Betadine

To irrigate wounds

Cotton Wool Pads Soft and absorbent for cleaning skin around wounds

Hardware Tweezers Variety of uses

Scissors, medical Tuff cut scissors which will cut through most materials; essential to have for emergencies; knifes, multi-tools and other substitutes are not suitable

Creams and ointments

Daktarin Dual Action Cream

For the treatment of athletes’ foot

E45 Cream 50g Treatment for dry skin conditions including dry, itching, flaking, chapped skin and sunburn; also recommended for eczema, dermatitis and ichthyosis

Savlon Cream 60g Antiseptic cream, prevents infection and aids healing

Calamine lotion/ sting cream

To relieve bites, rashes and stings

Medication Rehydration salts (Diorylte, gastrolyte)

For oral rehydration

Paracetamol 500mg For pain relief

Chlorpheniramine Tablets 4mg (antihistamine)

Piriton allergy tablets; antihistamine primarily for hay fever relief; may also relieve insect bites and stings, allergic rashes and itching

Imodium 2mg May prolong gut infections; use restricted to when travelling and when in harsh environments;

Flucloxacillin 250mg Capsules

Flucloxacillin is a narrow spectrum antibiotic that has specific activity against penicillinase-producing bacteria.

Vaccinations


Volunteer Project

As a recommenda�on of the World Health Organiza�on (WHO), you must be vaccinated against hepa��s A and B, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, rabies, meningi�s and typhoid and take the malaria prophylaxis to travel to certain areas in Indonesia. Prophylac�c an�-malarial tablets do not provide total protec�on therefore you should take precau�ons to avoid being bi�en, especially in the evenings. Mosquitoes can also transmit other diseases like dengue fever. As an addi�onal precau�on YIARI recommends that you consult a professional medical service in your country before making a trip to Indonesia.

Personal Safety

ü Remember that you will experience a degree of culture shock and possible homesickness. It may take you a li�le �me to se�le in. Be pa�ent, it will all be worth it. Ul�mately, there will be a lot of posi�ves to take from the trip and hopefully the experience will change you in a beneficial way.

ü Remember that you are going to a different country with a different culture and a different way of doing things, keep an open mind and be careful not to judge others too quickly

Cultural Considera�ons: ü Do not point, except with the thumb. ü Do not touch people on the head (especially children). ü Take off shoes before going indoors. ü Never refuse food from locals you know ü Do not be confronta�onal. Locals do not know how to deal with this. ü Always remain pleasant-even when making a complaint. ü Customer service is not very good so pa�ence is required. ü Locals are laid back and do not like hassle - pace of life is slow and nobody works too hard. ü Be aware that the local people in Ketapang will not speak English. Make an effort to learn

some Indonesian, even if it is only a few words. The Indonesian people will be very excited to hear you trying out their language.

Culture Shock

You are travelling to a rela�vely safe area, though as with all places opportunis�c crime can be a problem and the� of valuables can occur. The view from your verandaIt is recommended for volunteers:ü Have a lock on their bags and to keep their most valuable possessions on their person. ü Do not bring or carry around large sums of cash!ü Drinking alcohol is legal, but this should be done discretely, even at the volunteer houses.ü We hold a zero tolerance policy on drug use. There is a severe penalty (death) for taking and

dealing in drugs and volunteers should abstain from any drug taking ac�vity.

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Checklist for Volunteers


Volunteer Project

¨ Send YIARI:

¨ Read this booklet and do your research into Indonesia!¨ Vaccina�ons - Make sure you consult your local GP to ensure you are up to date on relevant

vaccina�ons, or medica�on ¨ Travel Insurance – Comprehensive travel insurance is advised as we do not supply insurance,

this is your responsibility. ¨ Pay all program fees – A 30% deposit within 7 days is required once your applica�on has been

accepted. 40 days before departure the remainder of the fees are due.¨ Smart Traveller Register - Registering with smart traveller is a great way to keep informed on

what's happening in the region. etc ¨ Packing – Make sure you pack the appropriate equipment and clothing for your �me in

Ketapang.

ü Volunteer Agreementü Booking Form terms and condi�onsü Copy of Departure �cket from Ketapangü Copy of Travel Insurance Cer�ficate

Contact Details

Yayasan IAR Indonesia KetapangJl. Ketapang-Tanjungpura, Rt. 10,Dusun Pematang Merbau, Desa Sungai Awan Kiri,Kecamatan Muara Pawan, Ketapang -78813Kalimantan Barat. IndonesiaTelephone: +62-(0)856-5237-3497Email: info@interna�onalanimalrescue.org

Emergency Contact Details

+62(0)85750815547 phone number of Drh Adi Irawan, the operations manager

for YIARI in Ketapang

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mailto:[email protected]

What to do on arrival day:


Volunteer Project

You will need to arrive in Ketapang Airport on the start date of your project, between 7am and 5pm. To get to Ketapang, requires you to take two flights. Jakarta to Pontianak and then Pontianak to Ketapang. As long as you have provided your flight information to us and are arriving on the start date of the project, we will be picking you up at the airport and, failing unforeseen delays, will be awaiting you at the 'arrivals lounge'. We will then drive you to the volunteer house in Ketapang, where you will be living for the duration of your trip. During that evening, you may have the option to visit a local restaurant for a icebreaker meal with the other volunteers. Your volunteer supervisor will inform you on arrival.

ü If you are arriving on the 20th, you will be joining some volunteers who have already been working at the centre for 2 weeks, and you will have a group dinner with them and the project facilitators on this day.

ü If you are arriving on the 9th, you will meet the rest of your volunteer group that evening and all have dinner together with our project facilitators.

Remember to hold onto your receipt for your bag, as you will have to show this as you leave the airport in Ketapang.

What to do if we don't meet you? It is incredibly unlikely that we will not be at the airport, awai�ng you in the 'arrivals lounge. At worst, we may be a li�le late due to bad traffic, terrible weather or inconsistent flight arrival �mes in Indonesia. If we are running late, and you'd like to call us to make sure we are coming, please contact our emergency contact, Drh. Adi Irawan, with the details outlined in this document.

Indonesia Fact File!

Country Indonesia Capital City Jakarta Area 1,919,440 km² Popula�on 250,000,000 Languages Bahasa Indonesian and local languages, English is not widely spoken in the project region Religions Muslim, Chris�an, Hindu (mainly in Bali), Buddhism and tradi�onal religions Time Zone GMT + 7hrs Dialling Code 0062 or +62 Electricity European (2 circular pins) Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

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We look forward to mee�ng youand if you have any ques�ons don't hesitate to ask!

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eco-vol@interna�onalanimalrescue