My experience as a volunteer for Orangutan conservation in Borneo.

As mentioned in the Piha Candle Co. About/Our Story my conservation interests lead me to Borneo to volunteer at Matang Wildlife centre, as part of the Great Orangutan project situated in the tropical Kubah National Park in Borneo.

I am concerned for the loss of natural rainforest habitats and the effect this has on Orangutan and other enchanting species, such as the Sun Bears, Snow Leopards, Macaques and Gibbons in the forests of Borneo. I embarked on a journey to Borneo to try to make a difference first-hand by living in the jungle and volunteering to assist with the rehabilitation of rescued native animals.

As a volunteer you have the opportunity to work with the Orangutan and other native species in the centre by undertaking duties of husbandry (cleaning of the animal enclosures) making food parcels for the animals, providing enrichment for the Orangutans in the form of providing games to keep the animals stimulated.

I also assisted with maintenance activities of the facilities, painting, fixing enclosures and building a boardwalk around the centre. There was also plenty of time to explore the jungle and learn about the local Dayak tribe. 

The animals at the centre are a result of natural habitat loss due to mass deforestation for planting of palm oil, mining and forest fires exposing these animals to hunting for bush meat and capture to be sold on the pet trade. Often these animals are injured as a result of these threats and end up at the centre for rehabilitation.

I attended educational classes to teach me of the threats to the forest habitats and these animals and the positive things you can incorporate into your daily life to be aware of what contains palm oil and make the choice not to purchase these products.

I was shocked to find that many commercially made candles use blends of soy/ palm wax (but don’t mention the palm wax component on the label). This encouraged me to find a sustainable wax product to make my own (palm oil free) candles for my own daily use. I am glad I can share my candles with you.

Piha Candle Co. is proud to be using only pure coconut wax in our candles to offer an Orangutan and planet friendly product that makes us feel really good!     

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