Name: Bethany Callanan
Nationality: American
Project: Gibbon Rehabilitation
Period: 5 weeks
Email: bethany.callanan@gmail.com
Phone: (210) 265-9554
Contact Address: 241 W. Mulberry San Antonio, TX 78212 USA
Where did you here about the project? I found information about the project online
What is your expectation before arrival? I really wasn't sure what to expect, I assumed that I would be working at cleaning and food preparation mostly.
Did the project live up your expectations? The project exceeded my expectations. I loved how I got to work directly with the gibbons, and the huge amount of hands-on experience that I received is very valuable.
Your works at the project (Explain) I really enjoyed the work at the project, especially working at tour desk and discussing issues with tourists from all over the world.
Your life at the project. I had a huge amount of fun with all the other volunteers. Cooking together, watching movies in the evenings, trips to Timberhut and Tesco, etc. were the highlights of each week.
Relation with staff and other volunteers. All of the other volunteers and staff members were really awesome. Everyone had very similar interests so we all seemed to get along really well with each other.
What do you think of this project in terms of opportunities to gain experience and knowledge in conservation? I know that for me personally, the project gave a huge amount of hands-on experience that I will be able to use with future studies. I also got to learn a lot about not only this specific species, but general goals of biodiversity and sustainability.
What is your feeling towards your volunteer work experince? I had a fantastic time during the 5 weeks I spent, even though at time the work was tedious. I loved getting to work so closely with the gibbons
What was the quality of the accommodation? The accommodations were better than I expected (except for the broken toilet of course...) and I especially enjoyed the access to the office area.
What problem did you encounter during the project? I didn't really encounter any severe problems while I was at the project. The main thing was a staph infection that was pretty easily treated on return to the U.S.
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Name: Suzanne Turnock |
Nationality British |
Project GRP |
Period October 2006-January 2007 |
Email suzie14_uk@yahoo.co.uk |
Mobile +447841902860 |
Contact address 8 The Mount, Wallasey, Wirral , CH44 1AY England UK |
|
. Where did you here about the project? On the GRP website
. What is your expectation before arrival? I did not think that the project would be so involved in every aspect of conservation and put so much effort and hard work into it.
. Did the project live up your expectations? (Explain how) My expectations were exceeded. I did not expect to work so closely with the gibbons. It was amazing. One of the best parts of the project is that volunteers get to work in all areas of the project; quarantine, rehabilitation, tour desk and in the forest. The work was shared equally.
. Your works (Explain) I worked in all areas of the project: quarantine, rehabilitation, forest and tour desk. I also developed ideas for enrichment for the gibbons. I worked in the office helping to write newsletters and I proof read Dr. Tum's book. I helped Owart design I poster about the project, which he later presented at a conference.
. Your life at the project I had a fantastic life at the project. I was so lucky to be one of the first people to see newborn Toffee in the wild. Not only did I have the opportunity to be part of a great conservation project but I also experienced a fascinating culture, like the Vegetarian Festival and Lai Kratong, and a beautiful country. I found every aspect of the project enjoyable and I felt like I achieved a lot whilst I was there.
. Relation with staff and other volunteers Some staff very friendly and kind, some not friendly and hard to approach. All volunteers friendly. I got on very well with everybody. I think I have made new friends for life.
. Additional Remark or comments I think when volunteers first arrive staff can make more of an effort to make them feel welcome. (I am not talking about me personally!!!). All the staff at the project work really hard for the gibbons and I was very impressed.
. Tips for new volunteers
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| Name: Rebecca | Nationality: Australian |
| Project: Gibbon Rehab | Period: 16/04-13/07/2007 |
| Email:notorious_bickie@yahoo.com | Mobile: 0425 732 817 |
| Contact address: 1/25 Westmoreland Rd, Sunshine VIC Australia 3020 | |
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Name:Joanne Drake |
Nationality: New Zealander |
Project: GRP + 3 weeks WARED |
Period: February- August 2006 |
Email: jodrake@gmail.com |
Mobile |
Contact address: 18 Cecil road, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand |
|
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| Name: Emma Bean | Nationality Bristish |
| Project Gibbon Project, Phuket | Period Oct-Nov 2006 |
| Email backpacker_bean@yahoo.co.uk | Mobile |
| Contact address no fixed obode at the minute!! | |
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Name: Cheryl Leanne Gibbons
Nationality: British
Period: 11 September 2005 - 19 March 2006
I don't think " Thank you" quite fits it. I have had such amazing few months at the GRP and will always remember my time here... One more serious note, I fully believe in the GRP's importance. Mayny times it is easy to feel disheartened at thevery least, but when you see the baby's being born and a chance to see the released of gibbons or even becoming a little closer to rehabilitation. We can't ignore the good that the project does. We have to at least try to keep up the good work and never loose sight of the great things we have already accomplished.-Good luck and I will see you again soon.
All my love,
Cheryl Gibbons
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Name: Lara Dominique Rogers
Nationality: British
Period: 13/10/05-20/12/05 | 8/2/06-18/3/06
I would like to write a huge thank you to everyone at the GRP staff for giving me this fantastic experience which has become the first solid stepping stone toward what I hope will become a career in animal conservation. For this I will be eternally greatful.
I wish you all the best of luck for the future of the project and for those of you who may leave to purse other paths. Love and hugs to everyone. Lara Rogers
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Name: Danny Dillon Ridays
Nationality: American
Period: 1/1/06 - 18/3/06
I can't belive its time to go already. It seems like I just got here. I have had the time of my life here at the GRP and now it is hard to leave. I have made so many friends here, and I will miss everyone at the project, including the gibbons! I hope that I will be able to come back again someday. It seems like it will be harder to leave the GRP than it was to leave home. Danny Ridays
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Name: Katrien Leonarda Maria Simons
Nationality: Dutch
Period: 17/10/05-15/1/06 | 25/12/05-17/1/06
Thank you so much!! for everything, it has been so wonderful. Everytime, I came there were other volunteers but the Thai staff stayed the same. You all do such amazing work, I am very proud that I got the opportunity to work here with you. It makes me sad to see you and the gibbons not on the daily base anymore.
Please keep up the good work. Even though things get bad like the past week. Good things keep happening as well. I hope I can help again in the future. I will for sure try to come visit again sometimes. Im going to miss you all so much...
Please keep in touch and all I can say is Thank you and good luck with everythig. I love you all!!!!
Take care and a last big hug,
Katrien Simons
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Name: Bastian Erling (Ben)
Nationality: Dutch
Period: 20/2/06-20/3/06
After 21 years of being a policeman in Holland. I took 1 year off. Four weeks I spent working for the GRP and i have to say I love the gibbons, I love the Thai staff. Everyone seems to be so nice here! For me it was 4 fantastic weeks and a great experince. I shall never forget. Thank you Thai staff, GRP and WAR. I will keep you in my heart and hope to meet again! Go on with this Fantastic work that you are doing! Ben
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Name: Joanne Faye Drake
Nationality: New Zealander
Period: 1/02/06-1/08/06
After 6 months (which went by so quickly!) I am sad to leave the project! I have had an amazing time here and feel lucky to have had the chance to be invloved in such an important project! I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the staff-for the exellent job you do which I know is often difficult. It is worth it. Also I have mat so many great people here and I hope we keep in touch. I also want to come back as soon as I can, hopefully to see the Payu's family in the forest. Love, from Jo
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Name: Danielle Elizabeth Smith
Nationality: British
Period: 10/6/06-15/8/06
I've only been here for 2 months, though it really doesn't feel like it. I have had a fantastic time and feel I have learnt so much. I totally agree with Jo about the wonderful work which is being done here. Thank you for giving me the chance to joining in.
I also hope to return sooner rethar than later!
Thank you for all for creating this by happy family! good luck with everything + see you very soon.
Danille
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Name: Peter-Paul Le Conge Kleyn
Nationality: Dutch
Period: 8/8/06-7/9/06
Dear everyone,
Five years ago I was a volunteer for 4 months at the project. Mr. Preecha was the boss, Dr.Tum just started as a doctor and a lot of fun happened at the office (it is now the staff bungalow). i can hardly recognize the project now! So many things have changed for better!! It is so much more professional now. The best thing is that I have a feeling that things are making a big different now for the gibbons. Yesterday the Payu's family is brought to the trainning cage! So exciting.
It is good to see that the people at the project have not changed only more crazy!
I really want to thank you all the Thai staff so much for their kindness. You are the best!
It has been very special for me to come back again and very important too.
Thank you all so much & I wish all the love from the bottom of my heart. I say good bye again, but I feel it wil not be the last time.
Peter
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Name: Renate Kramer
Nationality: Dutch
Period: 12/8/06-8/9/06
From Renate
Even though it's only been a few weeks because unfortunately I have to leave earlier I 've has a very good time here at the project. It was my first time working with gibbons and that's been a wonderful experince to me! It had me want to do more of this kind of work, it has given me a great feeling to be able to help the project. So I want to thank everyone of the Thai staff for having me here and giving me this special time and experince.
Thank you so much, you do wonderful work! Love, Renate
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Name: Maite Guignard
Nationality: Swiss
Period: 5/7/06-1/9/06
Dear Everyone at GRP
I can say so many things (all good) but I've keep this short and just say a big BIG thank you for everything. And see you later!
Lot of love from Maite
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Name: Go
Nationality: Japanese
Period:
I am very very glad to spend many kind staffs, I could get many things from GRP. I wanna come back again. In the future I will come to Thailand as a big man, Sa Wad Dee Krab ...Go
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Name: Eiji
Nationality: Japanese
Period:
Wednesday 27 September 2006
I spend a really good time at GRP. I never forget this experience, especially my birthday party (?), I felt 1 month was very short... I want to come back again next year! When that time i hope to progress in my speaking Thai and English! Thank you very much for receiving Eiji
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A New Experience by Dominique Bouchard
An Organization, Horizon Cosmopolite, was my primary contact and they, along with the Canadian Government, put me in touch with a volunteering scheme run by WAR to help the gibbons of Thailand. This scheme would provide me with the chance to extend my experiences, both personally and professionally inevitably broadening my horizon. As I am a veterinary nurse, I applied to give my time and skills where possible to help the gibbons, a truly fascinating but often overlooked primate.On September 25th 2002, I departed from my country; Canada, to begin my work helping with the situation gibbons currently face in Thailand. I left with an open mind and ready to embrace all the experiences encountered. As I was to stay for a period of 6 months, I was eager to discover what I could do to help and what opportunities would be extended to me.
Since working with animals from different countries was a dream of mine from a very early age, I was ready and open to all possible situations. Even so, before I left, my imagination was running wild with possibilities and anxieties regarding the project. The one thing I knew was that I would use already established skills and knowledge to aid any clinical procedure should any occur during my stay. I was hoping to have the chance to work with different animals, in different ways and in no doubt very different conditions; perhaps the most basic I would ever encounter. Very exciting! Even if the daily work was to get routine, I was sure that the gibbons would find a way to make each day unique. I also believed that both the project and Thailand itself would impress me beyond my expectations.
I arrived at the GRP on September 27th at 6h30am, by bus directly from Bangkok. Initially I was greeted by one of the Thai staff; Mud, and although the English communication between us was not particularly good, he wore a smile and I knew that my first impression was a positive one. From that point onward everything passed so fast, I just didn't see the time fly by. On my first day at the project, they were releasing a family; Kip, Joe and Thong. After being given two project t-shirts, I put one on and at 8h00am went straight into the forest with all the Thai staff to help free the family back into their rightful habitat.
It was my first contact with gibbons and armed with my binoculars, I just couldn't stop looking at the magnificent creatures. It was amazing; the people were very nice, the gibbons as beautiful as one could expect, and the project like a big family. After only 2 days, it felt like I had known the other volunteers and staff for many years and I think it is quite easy to feel this way because all the people participating on the project have one thing in common; they come to give their hearts and their time to help the gibbons. Also working together and on the same things, you quickly find your place as part of the family at the GRP.
After 6 months at the project, I had had incredible chances to gain different kinds of experiences. In a professional capacity, I had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Tum, the veterinarian, during some of the clinical procedures he faced. For example: blood tests, assisting with surgery, following post-surgery and also monitoring the gibbons' health daily through regular health checks. Another advantage I experienced from the project was improving my social skills. I experienced working as part of a team and also with people from different cultures, since everyone comes from different countries and backgrounds.
In a personal capacity there is so much to learn from the experience. In fact, before I left Quebec, I made a list of both professional and personal objectives I wanted to reach; not one of them has been left unfulfilled. Unless of course you count learning to use the toilet the Thai way!
I am now fairly knowledgeable about the behavior of gibbons and I think they are a fascinating specie. For anybody that wants to be involved and to help with a situation which needs continuing support, I suggest they feel very welcome to come and work at the GRP. They should expect to be appreciated and to gain a wonderful experience.
Thank you to everybody who made my stay unforgettable!
Dominique Bouchard
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A New Experience by Dominique Bouchard
Avec Horizon Cosmopolite, l'organisme avec lequel j'ai pris contact et mon gouvernement Canadien, j'ai eu la chance de participer à un programme de volontariat qui donne la chance à des finissants d'aller prendre de l'expérience professionnelle et personnelle à l'étranger dans le but d'ouvrir leurs horizons. Étant Technicienne en Santé animale, j'ai donc appliqué pour aller donner de mon temps aux gibbons, un primate méconnu, qui se découvra extrêmement fascinant.
J'ai quitté mon pays, qui est le Canada, pour venir aider la cause des gibbons le 25 Septembre 2002. Avec un esprit très ouvert à toutes sortes d'expériences, j'étais tout à fait impatiente de voir ce qui m'attendait pour les prochains six mois.
L'aide aux animaux dans les autres pays, étant un rêve de jeunesse, j'étais bien ouverte et prête à toutes situations. Mais tout de même, mon imagination travaillait en sorte qu'elle concevait images et attentes personnelles envers ce projet. Ce qui était sure, je voulais pouvoir être en mesure d'aider aux meilleurs de mes connaissances au niveau des interventions cliniques avec les animaux sauvages. J'espérais avoir la chance d'apprendre à travailler avec des méthodes différentes, des produits différents dans des conditions probablement restreintes. Très excitant! Au niveau du travail quotidien, même étant donné le travail routinier, comme nourrir et nettoyer les gibbons, j'étais sure que ces animaux allaient trouver le moyen de rendre chaque journée différente les unes des autres. Enfin, je crois que j'ai laissé la liberté au projet et à la Thaïlande de m'ébahir par eux-mêmes.
Je suis arrivée au Gibbon Rehabilitation Project le 27 Septembre, 6h30 am. directement par autobus de Bangkok. On est venu me chercher ou j'ai eu ma première rencontre avec Mud, un employé thaï du projet. La communication anglophone entre nous n'était pas la meilleure, mais le sourire était là. Je savais que ma première impression était positive. Ensuite, tout s'est passé très vite. Je n'ai pas vu le temps passer. Ma première journée était celle de la relâche de la famille de Kip, Joe et Thong. On m'a donné deux gilets du GRP, j'en ai enfilé un et je suis partie 8h00 am. en forêt avec tous les employés thaïs pour libérer ses animaux qui appartenant à la nature.
Ce fut mon premier contact avec les gibbons. Armée de mes jumelles, je ne pouvais détacher mon regard de ces magnifiques créatures. C'était formidable; les gens étaient très sympathiques, les gibbons plus beaux que je l'avais imaginé, et le projet; comme une grande famille. Après 2 jours, je me sentais comme si je connaissais tous les volontaires et employés depuis plusieurs années. Je crois que c'est facile d'avoir cette impression, car tous les gens ici on un point en commun : ils sont venus donner leur cour et leur temps pour aider les gibbons. En travaillant tous sous la même motivation personnelle, on trouve vite sa place dans la grande famille du Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.
Apres 6 mois passés au projet, j'ai eu une chance inouïe d'acquérir différentes formes d'expériences. Au niveau professionnel, où j'ai eu la chance quelques fois d'aider le vétérinaire, Dr. Tum, avec quelques interventions cliniques comme des prises de sang, des suivis post-chirurgicaux, l'assistance de quelques chirurgies et le suivi de la santé des gibbons tous les jours. Au niveau interpersonnel, où l'on apprend à travailler non seulement en équipe mais aussi avec des cultures différentes car ici, tout le monde est bienvenu. Et du côte personnel, il y a tout à apprendre. En fait, avant de partir du Québec, j'avais fait une liste d'objectifs professionnels et personnels à atteindrent, et aucuns d'eux n'ont été inaccomplis ne serait-ce qu'utiliser les toilettes thaïs a 100% !!
Les gibbons m'en ont bien appris sur leur comportement et sont une espèce très fascinante à découvrir. Quiconque veut s'impliquer et se sentir utile au sain d'une cause qui mérite d'être sauvée devrait se sentir le bienvenue de venir vivre une si belle expérience.
Un gros Merci a tous ceux qui on participé à rendre ce séjour inoubliable!
Dominique Bouchard
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A Volunteer's Perspective Claire McDonald, September 2002
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project:
Before I arrived in Thailand I was not sure what to expect of the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) or the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand. However, when I arrived in Bangkok I received a friendly welcoming and was informed of the organizations projects and goals. After the bus journey to Phuket I was also met by the friendly staff of the project and shown around where I would be staying for the next two months. I thought the accommodation was very nice and was a lot better then I was expecting. As I came in a group of seven we were all given a reception talk and told what we would be doing with our time at the project.
There are a variety of tasks to do every day, therefore, there is no average day at the project. There are always differences from day to day which makes the weeks fly by. I don't think I could pick a favourite job, but I do really enjoy working at the waterfall site and trekking in the forest. It can be tiring work at times, but it is worth it if it helps the gibbons. At tour desk we meet many tourists and give them information about the project. This gives me a chance to meet many people from other countries that are keen to learn about a topic I am interested in. It also allows us to help stop the use of gibbons as tourist attractions and to teach people the importance of reintroducing gibbons to Phuket.
GRP have also recently started a project in Ranong which is on the west coast of Thailand. The aim there is to educate the local people about nature as well as teaching them English. It will also hopefully become a rehabilitation center for gibbons. Part of my time at the project involved staying a week at Ranong teaching children between 7-12 years old. I really enjoyed teaching and the children were very friendly. It was also very peaceful at Ranong with no tourists in the area. They also have gibbons, a porcupine and slow lorises which need taken care of.
It is now sadly near the end of my stay here in Phuket, but I have found it quite an experience. The project rescued a baby gibbon of about one year old that was being kept in very bad conditions. Volunteers at the project have to take turns in feeding and caring for her. This is something I never thought I would be able to do, as there is no contact allowed with the gibbons here. I have learned many interesting facts about apes and useful skills that will help me both at university and in my chosen career. I have also gained an understanding of Thai culture and its' people and I am looking forward to my next stay in Thailand.
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Volunteer Odyssey Sander van Andel, Dutch Volunteer at the GRP 2000-2001
Our injured and severely threatened planet is in desperate need for help. As we sit in our comfortable, centrally heated homes and watch nature programs on television, the world's most precious habitats are disappearing like ice in the sun.
Most worthwhile charities are grossly under-funded and governments are realising all to slowly, that a lot more effort on all fronts needs to be put in the conservation of this planet. The problems are understandable but are no longer acceptable.
The only solution is people from all nations leading the way to save the destruction of this planet from ourselves.
With this simple web page, we hope to inspire you into action and thereby encourage others to get involved also. On this page, we will try to give you some insight into the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project located on Phuket Island, Thailand where Sander has worked.
Sander's Report No. 1
November 22, 2000
Hello from Sander,
Two days ago, I arrived at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Thailand. First I was shown around. And yesterday, I went to Pukhet City to cash in my money, to buy food for the gibbons, and to eat and buy some stuff. But today was my first working day. I started right away at the Waterfall site where the gibbons are already a little bit in nature. I worked together with a Japanese girl and it went pretty well. I already have a lot of Ideas what I want to do. But I already noticed that I really have to move in the political structure here to get things really done. All the volunteers are nice. Between them, there are no real politics; everybody here is on equal terms, so that is good. There are now about 20 volunteers. Some of the gibbon cages are very nice, big and in the forest. We try to feed some gibbons with long feeding systems, and the cage cleaning goes a lot differently than at AAP (the Ape Association in Holland), a little weird even, but I will get used to it.
I want to tell you so much more, but I find it very difficult to express my feelings about the project on the screen with Thai music and traffic in the background. But I still want to tell you about one thing: The first day I was there I learned that the project manager in charge of the islands will leave in two weeks. He is a volunteer who is here already two months (which is pretty long at this project... sadly). Possibly, one of us (Bas or me) might get the responsibility over the islands. I really would want to do it, but I have mixed feelings. It is unfortunate that there is nobody available to be in charge who has more experience. Still, it would be very exciting to do something like that! One real disappointment is that there is no person at the project that is really highly educated in this field. Some volunteers are studying topics which are related to this project, but still, no experts. I will write soon and tell you how things progress.
Sander's Report No. 2
November 27, 2000
Hello from Sander,
I just sometimes miss home and Amsterdam, although I am having a pretty good time. Thanks for your words about leading the project in Vietnam and believing in myself. It sort of comes at the right time, because I really feel that way a bit. I mean that I have to lead.
I was able to get two "long distant feeding systems" up (which made me pretty happy because it is really a big step forward). Tomorrow I will go to the island station at Koh Boi, east of Thailand, with the coordinator of that part of the project (he's the man who will be leaving soon). I'm going there to see if I might want to be the next island coordinator. And it is very serious. They are already counting on me taking this responsibility on, but I still have to make up my mind. I want to see if I can really do something there, like getting some gibbons over to the island, or at least make a better feeding system out there so the gibbons will less associate people with food. I heard it is much more basic there, like toilet in the forest, no electricity, I will have to cook for myself, and so on. If I take the job, there is a good chance that I will stay there alone often, but at least I will be at the pinnacle stage of the project. I will be there for three days. After that I will fax you new information about the project. I am really wondering what kind of site you are making. I am sure it will look great. I will think about nice things that can be put on it...
While I am writing this I suddenly got the idea to go through the gibbons files for more information, so I will write back in about four days...
Sander's Report No. 3
December 10, 2000
Hello from Sander,
Hello all, I am doing great. At the project, I have been pretty busy, only focusing on one thing, the gibbons. Maybe a bit to much, but there a things that really start to roll. I am sending some drawings so you can see the beginning of my plan and two drawings on the long distant feeding system.
Today I made a very big start with cage repair. I think I can fix the whole cage tomorrow, so I can take it to the island. I have done a lot of work, but a lot more has been done. I just have to watch out that I don't lose to much contact with my fellow volunteers who I talk to about gibbons (and every thing about them) most or the time.
Thursday I will go to the island alone again which makes me - I think "officially" - island coordinator. Which is great! But today, I also relaxed (it was my free day). I went to the beach and snorkeled for the first time. It was beautiful, and I also managed to learn, by myself, the diving-and-blowing-the-water-out-later part. It was very much fun. Tomorrow, I have an office day, which means I can work on my plans. I will write again as soon as I can.
Sander's Report No. 4
December 8, 2000
Hello from Sander,
This is the plan we have developed for implementing the repopulating project on the island of Kho Daeng.
Plan - Kho Daeng
1. Put cage from quarantine up at Kho Daeng. (12 Dec. -14 Dec. 2000)
The separate sides of the cage will be put on the normal ferry to Koh Yao. Then from Koh Yao, we will transport the cage to Koh Boi. Two or three people are needed (besides me) who can help with transporting the cage and building it up. When we are at Koh Boi, these people will build the cage up to test if it is strong and reliable and to see how we can put the cage up as fast as possible on the island. If everything is okay, we will transport the cage to Koh Deang and put it up close to the forest next to the other cage there.
When we are there, we will find out what the best locations are to install the feeding systems and how many cyst's we will put down (minimum 4). So we can say how much material we need. We will also have a try out with the system on Ko Boi to see what problems we might encounter.
We will have a look on the island to see what is the best place for the release and catch cages.
2. Time for the gibbons to get used to the cages (14 Dec. - max. 28 Dec.). On day 2, we will put food on the cages. From the day 2 to day 5, we will slowly increase the amount of food that we put in the two cages (the cages are open, the entrance is connected with a rope that is tied to a strong pole of wood. The pole has a concrete base which is put deep in the ground at the beach). After day 5, we will put all food in the cage so that the gibbons can't reach it from the outside. We will try to catch them by the next feeding.
3. Build long distance feeding systems (LDFS) on Ko Daeng.
After we have caught gibbons Mr. Lisa and Jita, we will need about 5 or 6 people who will help to build the long distant feedings systems on Ko Daeng. We need people who can climb high up the trees, who know how to work with concrete and who are, of course, familiar on Ko Daeng. We need concrete (2 bags per system), metal pins (2 per system), 1.5m long metal pipe, a lot of metal cable (100-150m per system), little metal pins to hold the metal cable in place (4 per system), a good quality pulley (1) and a frame of water pipes with wire for the food transportation.
4. Make release cages for two selected gibbons. We will put the cage on the other side of Ko Daeng at the same time as we put the LDFS. It will be a 3x3m cage for 2 gibbons. The plan for this comes when we will go to Ko Boi on 12-14 Dec.
Sander's Report No. 5
March 13, 2001
Dear Friends,
I have just come back from Koh boi 1 hour ago. We did it!
Today at 10:00 o'clock, we released the three juveniles Billy, Black, and Cheetah . I pulled the gate myself. All went well. There were a few incidents of gibbons fighting and of gibbons being pretty clumsy in climbing the trees which they missed for so long. A lot of preparation went into it. I am very happy and feel that I have done my thing mostly at the project. Tonight I will have a good-bye party, but I am not going, yet. Tomorrow I will go back to Ko boi for another three or four days to train the next coordinator and to watch my released gibbons.
I stayed on Ko boi for one week, three days alone, doing observation on my own, all day in the forest on the island with all the gibbons around coming very close, especially Mr. Lisa. It was a real Jane Goodall experience, sitting there and watching them, caring for them and feeling good that I had done all this... building the cage and feeding systems, transport, observation, and release, it is great!
As soon as I was back at Phuket I went to the gibbon's empty cage, climbed in and took a picture from inside as proof.
I will send you a more extensive report on the release of the three gibbons.
The release of Billy, Black, and Cheetah
by Sander van Andel
A big day for the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, as it was fifteen months and eight days ago that the last gibbon, Mr. Lisa, was released on this same island. Prior to this release were many years of hard work, plans, frustrations and patience to go through, but the fact that this day ultimately came made it all worthwhile.
On the morning of March 13, 2001, the three fortunate gibbons were set free on the island of Ko Daeng, when Sander van Andel pulled the gate open at ten o'clock. Finally freedom was theirs.
It was a beautiful day in Phang-Nga Bay that marked the beginning of their adventure. From now on Billy, Black, and Cheetah wouldn't have to spend another minute of their life in an enclosure again. Billy, who went out of the cage as soon as we opened the door to experience the beauties of the forest, made first steps. The second one to start this great adventure was Cheetah, who fled back into her cage. For a short moment she hesitated, a bit uncomfortable with this overwhelming space that was laid there in front of her, ready to grab. Black came out last. She went straight after Jita, the other female of the island. Black was determined to set her territory and chased Jita off to the other side of the island. She did this with incredible speed and nimbleness through the forest canopy. Finally Black could use her skills and her body in the way that it was meant to be used. After a little hesitation Billy and Cheetah followed. They were also anxious to climb into the trees, in highest trees. But of course they never learned that branches can bend or break.
And so... completely inexperienced with her new surroundings, Cheetah fell down to the lower trees from an astonishing height of 8 meters. After moments of tension, she appeared again with her leg all bloody. At first we were shocked, but than we saw that she wasn't even bothered by it, and she moved happily back up into the trees. Mr. Lisa (the male that had been released on this island before) and Jita were both close to the cage and appeared to be surprised and shocked by this event: three more gibbons to share the island with. When the three-chosen-ones came out, there was some aggression. Billy, Black, and Cheetah felt this was their territory, their place to live. Black chased Jita completely out of sight. Cheetah and Billy choose to stay close together and helped each other to defend themselves against this blond gibbon, Mr. Lisa, who had been irritating them all the time they had spent in the acclimatization cages. But Mr. Lisa didn't just run off; he stayed around the cages. At one point, Billy and Cheetah had enough, and they both chased him away. Poor Mr. Lisa felt that it was time to go and fast. So he ran away as fast as his little gibbon legs could carry him over the rocky beach, because he knew that he was faster than any other gibbon on that kind of terrain. The new juveniles already established their own territory around the cage they were brought in exactly one week before (on the 6th of March 2001).
Black returned soon after her big opening. Now they all moved excitedly, energetically - although a bit clumsily - through the trees. The whole release was a sensation for the eyes and stimulation for the mind: to see these Gibbons back in their jungle home where they belonged.
