Guidelines

Never approach an orangutan. If an orangutan attempts to make contact, retreat slowly. If an orangutan grabs you; stay calm and avoid sudden or jerky movements. If you can’t gently twist your arm free – call for help. Never travel alone in the forest. An orangutans may seem gentle, however they can bite so do not be tempted to initiate contact.

Do not eat or drink near orangutans. Do not give orangutans food. If you see anyone feeding orangutans, politely ask them to stop as it this encourages the orangutans to steal food and can lead to confrontations.

Colds, flu or any respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases can be passed on to the orangutans (and vice versa). Avoid coughing near orangutans. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. N.B Women who are menstruating should be particularly careful. Sub-adult and adult males have been known to forcibly examine women during their periods.

Sub-adult and adult males are much larger in size, have large cheek pads and beards. Unlike wild males, ex-captives are less afraid of humans. If, on a rare occasion, a male ex-captive charges – run.

Brightly coloured bags are particularly attractive to orangutans (fruit is often brightly coloured). Keep water bottles and plastic bags in your backpack. If an orangutan takes something from you – let them keep it (ask a guide or a member of staff to negotiate its return). No belonging is worth fighting over with an orangutan.

Do not approach the feeding platform. Keep back from the orangutans – as this can cause unnecessary stress to the orangutans.