Location: Indonesia & Malaysia
The Orangutan Conservancy is dedicated to the protection of orangutans in their natural habitat through wild research, capacity building, education and public awareness programs and by supporting numerous on-the-ground efforts to save Southeast Asia’s only great ape. Every year, Orangutan Conservancy stages the Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) Workshop. This workshop is designed to bring together multiple orangutan conservation stakeholders from Borneo, Sumatra, Malaysia and internationally, to share experience and knowledge of orangutan care.
Topics discussed include nutrition, infectious diseases, welfare, orangutan behaviour, surgical techniques, respiratory ailments (a huge problem in captive orangutan communities) and the reinforcement of release protocols and standard operating procedures in orangutan centres. OVAG strives to address these complex matters which are typically not addressed in mainstream veterinary venues. OVAG workshops began in 2009 and each workshop since has increased in situ veterinary skills and overall education both with local and international opportunities. At each successive workshop, skills are honed, knowledge is shared, and partnerships are built.
By refining veterinary care, encouraging networks of mutual respect and support, formalizing protocols, and creating worldwide participation in conservation and education, the Orangutan Conservancy is making a positive contribution to orangutan conservation efforts. The Orangutan Project has supported this invaluable workshop since 2013.
