“The name orangutan means person of the forest, but the rainforests which are their home are disappearing and these highly intelligent and gentle creatures are now listed as endangered,” said Georgina.

“Human activities such as logging and gold mining, but most destructively, clearing to  establish palm oil plantations, are causing the loss of rainforests in many parts of Borneo.

“Once gone, it could be centuries if ever before any trees regrow.”

Georgina and her companions visited the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) in Palankaraya where much-needed veterinary supplies were donated. Here, injured and orphaned orangutans are treated before being rehabilitated to eventually return to secure locations in the wild.

“Although illegal in Indonesia, baby orangutans are sometimes kept as pets, but the only way to get a baby is to kill the mother,’ said Georgina.

“Rescued babies are as helpless as human babies so require round-the-clock attention from committed carers for many years, as they learn the survival skills their mothers would have taught them.”

Georgina and her companions were dismayed by the extent of oil palm plantations they saw in Central Kalimantan. Palm oil, being relatively cheaper than other plant oils, is now found in many processed foods and cosmetics.

“By checking packaging labels and choosing not to purchase products which contain palm oil, we may see a reduction in demand for the oil,” said Georgina.

“This in turn may see a decline in the establishment of  new oil palm plantations and consequently, less rain forest destruction.”

Georgina's journey was partially a fund-raiser for The Orangutan Project (TOP), a not-for-profit organisation founded by an Australian, Leif Cocks. She believes it is our responsibility to help preserve this iconic species for the sake of future generations and hopes people will consider supporting groups such as TOP  www.orangutan.org.au and BOSF www.orangutan.or.id