💼 What the programme involves
The essential focus of this project is to rescue gibbons that have been badly treated, abused or injured, especially from people who make money off them by using them as tourist attractions and 'photo opportunities', charging for taking photos with them. These animals have been previously taken from jungles as newborns, and in order to be able to make them come down from the trees, their parents are shot.
The sanctuary aims to rescue these gibbons and provide them with a safe home as they are unable to return to the forest after such a long time.
As a participant in this project, you should provide the gibbons with the love and care that they require.
Also known as 'the smaller apes', gibbons are one of the most endangered of ape species due to loss of their habitat as well as poaching and illegal trade for tourism purposes. Moreover, gibbons are one of the few species that remain monogamous. If their partner dies, they are unlikely to mate with another gibbon, giving little to no chance of new babies.
The main activities will be to feed the gibbons, clean their enclosures and perhaps most importantly, to give them love, attention and to 'socialise' with these beautiful and charming creatures. This will help them get used to interacting with human beings as they can no longer be released into the wild. Their quality of life is of paramount importance to this project. The gibbons will remain in the sanctuary for the duration of their lives, as they would be at extreme risk if returned to the wild.
The sanctuary is aimed at gibbons. However, it does not reject any animal in need! Over the previous years, other furry friends in need have made it here, including over 20 macaque monkeys, a bear, two jackals and a even a bearcat.
Surrounded by lush nature, the center creates an environment that resembles that of their natural habitat, the gibbons live in huge cages which are interconnected by wired tunnels in order to keep them safe while at the same time giving them as much space as possible to do what they do best: swing! These creatures are considered some of the world's best acrobats and they are able to jump from tree to tree as far as 15 meters apart!
A compassionate attitude towards animals is of course required for this project! You should leave this project knowing that you have helped, cared for and given love to these deserving and fascinating creatures.
🏠 Accommodation on site
About the Accommodation
You will be living in beautiful wooden houses that meet typical western standards.
There are books in English available as well as a TV room with a varied selection of DVDs which you can enjoy during your spare time.
Food Arrangements
Three homemade meals are provided per day in the house (Thai and Western style). However, at times, you might be taken out to a nearby local restaurant.
There is a mini kitchen with a refrigerator, so feel free to bring snacks. A good idea since there are no shops nearby, so make sure you bring anything you might need!
📍 About the location
You will be located in one of the most elegant, sparse and relaxed areas of Thailand. Located outside of Mae Sot, the gibbon sanctuary will provide you with peaceful surroundings amidst lush jungle and mountain landscapes. You are unlikely to need an alarm clock here - as the gibbons wake up between 5 and 6 am and call out (warning: they are loud!)
ℹ️ Additional information
Open all year, starting on Mondays, every week, participation fee 350€ per week. Culture week mandatory: 175€ to start the programme