19yr old Aman, a dominant male, is the first orangutan in the world to undergo bilateral cataract surgery. He had been virtually blind for 10 years after developing cataracts in both eyes. After the three hour long surgery last week (undertaken by the local coalition conservation initiative, the Great Orangutan Project), Aman's operation was pronounced a success and has brought his rehabilitation into the wild a step closer. He will now be able to see his children for the first time. Specialist animal ophthalmologist Dr Izak Venter from South Africa declared “Aman has clearly regained the use of his sight and will be suitable for return to his usual activities.” Aman is now enjoying post- operative animal care at the Matang Wildlife Centre in Sarawak, Malaysia.

“Volunteers have made all the improvements at this wildlife centre other orangutan sites possible. It is their donations; hard work and dedication that drive the project forward and give orangutans in this part of the world a great chance of survival” commented Guillaume Feldman Project Director of the Great Orangutan Project. “This is a leading example of how orangutan custodians, from charities to volunteer companies to individuals, can share a common vision and put their conservation debates to one side and get on and save the species from the brink of extinction. ”

The charity ‘Orangutan Appeal UK’ funded all ancillary costs of the operation, and Real Gap sends volunteers to Malaysia on the Orangutan Volunteer Experience. Volunteers on this programme have the unique opportunity to spend some time at the Matang Orangutan Wildlife Conservation Centre, as well as working closely with Orangutans in a Malaysian Zoo, and monitoring great apes in the wild in the Borneo jungle. 4 weeks costs £1449.
The Sepilok Orangutan Appeal is continuously looking for volunteers at its Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak, Borneo. If you think you have what it takes to work closely with large Apes then please contact Sue Sheward directly.