#24UMF: Full-Day Orang Utan Island + Penang Heritage Tour (by LUXURY MPV)

Orangutan Conservation: The Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation

Nestled within the verdant landscapes of Perak, Malaysia, the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation serves as a bastion of hope for one of the world's most iconic primates. Established with a vision to safeguard orangutans, this foundation has emerged as a beacon of conservation in Southeast Asia.

1. History of the Foundation:

The roots of the Bukit Merah orangutan Island Foundation trace back to the year 2000 when a group of passionate conservationists recognized the urgent need to address the plight of orangutans in Malaysia. Motivated by a shared commitment to protecting these remarkable primates, they established the foundation as a platform for conservation efforts. Over the years, the foundation has grown from a humble beginning of 3 orangutans into more than 20 at its peak, driven by a dedication to preserving biodiversity and fostering harmony between humans and wildlife.

2. Area of the Foundation:

Situated amidst the breathtaking scenery of Bukit Merah Lake, the foundation encompasses 35 acres of pristine rainforest habitat. This lush sanctuary provides a haven for orangutans to roam freely, away from deforestation and human encroachment. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of Bukit Merah Lake, the island offers a serene retreat where visitors can connect with nature and learn about the importance of orangutan conservation.

3. Objective of the Foundation:

• To uphold ex-situ conservation of orangutans in line with state, national and international policies and guidelines. 
• To promote and enhance active conservation, education and awareness programs.
• To strengthen strategic cooperation & meaningful constructive management between relevant state and national stakeholders.
• To ensure sustainable financing from corporate entities and other funding agencies for continuous research and development for orangutan conservation.
• To diversify the role of the Board of Trustees of the Yayasan Pulau orangutan Bukit Merah (YPOUBM) by incorporating applied research and as a referral centre for ex-situ conservation of orangutans.
• To support in-situ orangutan conservation initiatives.

4. Commitment to Change:

Educational Program
orangutan Island provides educational programs for schools, delivers public lectures, organizes conferences and seminars and disseminates news about orangutans, their plight and orangutan conservation issues.

Internship
There is an internship program available for young graduates. Internship programs allow you to gain valuable work experience and CV skills. Our project based at Bukit Merah orangutan Island, Perak Malaysia. Interns will get conservation experience and skills such as orangutan care and veterinary.

Adoption
Adopting an orangutan requires a long-term commitment to care for and spend time with him or her. Help orangutans by providing food, water, medical attention, shelter from the weather, comfort from misery, and a compassionate human presence.

Corporate Supporters
The orangutans need your support! We work with a range of companies in a few ways to find our shared purpose and develop partnerships that benefit your company and our mission to ensure orangutans can survive. Your company and your employees can all share in. Our corporate supporters often work with us as part of their Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG). ESG program, which can be tailored around your individual organization’s requirements.

5. Risks Orangutans Are Facing:

orangutans confront a myriad of threats that imperil their existence in the wild. Among these is habitat destruction, as vast tracts of rainforest are cleared for agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development. This loss of habitat diminishes the available space for orangutans to forage and nest but also fragments their populations, reducing genetic diversity and increasing the risk of extinction.

In addition to habitat loss, orangutans are targeted by poachers for the illegal wildlife trade, with infants often captured and sold as pets or used for entertainment. This illicit trade not only decimates orangutan populations but also undermines conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species.

Climate change, is a growing threat to orangutan habitats, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of forest fires that ravage their homes. These fires destroy critical habitats and release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming and further endangering orangutans.

6. Protecting Orangutans Through Education:

Recognizing the importance of education in fostering a culture of conservation, the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation is committed to raising awareness about the plight of orangutans and the importance of their protection. Through a few educational programs and initiatives, the foundation seeks to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and empower local communities to become champions for orangutan conservation. By fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things, the foundation believes that we can create a future where orangutans and humans coexist in harmony.

In conclusion, the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation stands as a testament to the power of collective action in the fight to protect orangutans and their habitat. The foundation tirelessly ensures a brighter future for orangutans through dedication and commitment.

Meet Our Superstars!

As of 2024, 14 orangutans live on the island, and several have been successfully reintroduced to the forest.

B.J., which stands for "Budak Jahat" or "Bad Boy" in the local Malay language, is currently 39 years old as of 2024, weighing in at 120kg. He assumed the mantle of king following the passing of his predecessor, Mike, who weighed 250kg and passed away in 2012 at 43.

Baboon holds the esteemed title of "Big Mama" on the island. As of 2024, she is 37 years old. She has mothered at least nine orangutans, including notable individuals like Jidin and Manu.

Adam, weighing 80kg, was the first male orangutan born on Bukit Merah orangutan Island. As of 2024, he is 21 years old. Visitors to the island can spot adorable photos of baby Adam adorning the corridor of the jetty. Adam's playful antics often capture the attention of visitors, particularly his penchant for clapping his hands to garner treats. His primary motivation is food. If he feels dissatisfied, he's known to express his displeasure with spluttering sounds.

Jidin came into the world on April 5, 2010, at 8:30 a.m., but with a concerningly low birth weight of approximately 1.47 kg, slightly below the norm for a newborn orangutan. Despite this initial challenge, his mother, Baboon, was healthy and the birth proceeded without complications. However, due to his low birth weight and subsequent development of diarrhoea shortly after birth, Jidin required specialized care and monitoring in the infant care unit (ICU.

Manu, a male orangutan baby, entered the world on December 9th, 2015, at Bukit Merah's orangutan Island. From the outset, he was a picture of health and cuteness. His mother, Baboon, is renowned for her protective and nurturing instincts, having cared for eight previous offspring. This wealth of experience equips her well in tending to Manu's needs.

Hang Li Po was born on August 8th, 2010. Nafsiah welcomed a healthy and utterly charming female orangutan into the world. From the start, Li Po formed a strong bond with her mother and liked her company, displaying discomfort when keepers attempted to interact with her. Much of Li Po's time was nestling securely in her mother's embrace.

Isak is an adorable and lively baby female orangutan overflowing with affection. She entered the world at 7:05 a.m. on April 25, 2022, weighing 1.26 kg at birth. As the firstborn of her young mother, Kate, Isak represents a new chapter in their lives.

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