Information
Landmark: Borneo Orangutan Survival FoundationCity: Samarinda
Country: Indonesia
Continent: Asia
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, Samarinda, Indonesia, Asia
Overview
The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) is a nonprofit working to protect and preserve Borneo’s orangutans, especially the Bornean species (Pongo pygmaeus) that swing through its rain-soaked forests.It works to rehabilitate orangutans rescued from the illegal pet trade, torn-down forests, or other dangers caused by people.The foundation fights to keep orangutans thriving in the wild, teaching communities, studying their habits, and protecting their rainforest homes.The BOSF’s mission is simple but urgent: protect and conserve orangutans.That means rescuing them from captivity or dangerous situations like poaching or the illegal pet trade; giving them time and care in rehabilitation programs so they can learn to climb and forage again; releasing them into safe, protected forests; safeguarding those forests from chainsaws, bulldozers, and encroachment; and inspiring people-from local villagers to travelers halfway around the world-to stand up for their survival.The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation runs rehabilitation centers in Borneo, where rescued orangutans learn the skills they’ll need to survive in the wild-like climbing tall forest trees or foraging for ripe fruit.Nyaru Menteng in Central Kalimantan is the largest such center in Indonesia, while Samboja Lestari in East Kalimantan gives orangutans a second chance at freedom.Young ones go through a program that teaches them to live independently before release.Beyond rescue, BOSF restores and protects forests, works with governments and businesses on sustainable land use, studies wild populations, and assesses the impact of human activity on their habitats.They also engage local communities through education and partnerships that create livelihoods without destroying the forest.You can help by adopting an orangutan or donating to support their care and rehabilitation.Your help can take many forms-donations keep rehabilitation centers running, protect the forests, and fund education programs; volunteering lets you join in hands-on, whether you’re tracking orangutans in the field, digging into research, or lending a hand in the office; sharing their story on social media or over coffee with friends spreads the word far beyond borders; and if you can, visit the BOSF centers at Nyaru Menteng or Samboja Lestari to see the work up close, hear the chatter of the forest, and meet the animals whose lives you’re helping to change.In Borneo, you can visit centers that run educational tours where you’ll learn about orangutan conservation, watch the slow, careful rehabilitation of rescued animals, and see firsthand the daily work to protect them.Choosing eco-friendly, responsible activities while you’re there helps safeguard both the species and the forests they call home.But the threats are real-vast tracts of forest are cleared for palm oil, logging, and farms; young orangutans are stolen for the illegal pet trade, often left frightened and injured; shrinking habitats push them into conflict with people; and shifting weather patterns, along with more frequent forest fires, strain their already fragile ecosystems.At the heart of the fight stands the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, whose tireless efforts give these endangered apes a chance at a future.
