"Heather Roberts was a Great Orangutan Project volunteer in February 2007 and sent us in the following experience for the Orangutan Diaries"

I had the most wonderful experience at Matang Wildlife Centre, one of the main issues that month was Aman a very large male who had developed cataracts, I very rarely saw him move, and although he seemed contended to just remain in one place most of the day, and was very sociable when you went to visit him, it seemed a shame that he had no interest in his surroundings obviously because he could not see them. I can remember putting hard boiled eggs in the grass very near to where he sits and watching him trying to find them, he knew they were there but could only feel around with his hands to find them it was actually quite upsetting to watch.
Whilst I was there a vet came to see him and agreed it was possible to operate and that he should have good vision afterwards.
I have the pleasure of going back to Matang in July and am looking forward to seeing the improvement in him.
The other big change whilst I was there was a change in all the animals diet, by the end of the month most of the animals had had other foods introduced and on the day I went home I can remember seeing the bears laying in the sun sleeping and looking very contented, I have to say that was the highlight of my experience.
The centre is small with a variety of animals it has a very friendly atmosphere and everyone is very passionate about what they are doing, there is a lot more to do but it will happen.
The orangutangs are great playing with Doris and watching little Gus grow up daily is amazing, its an experience very hard to put into words but as long as you are prepared for hard work in hot conditions and can cope emotionally with different standards of animal care you will have a great time.