It takes a village…
Each month we feature one of the amazing people or organisations behind the scenes that make GCS and our projects possible. We are ever grateful to everyone who has helped us over the years and got us this far.
Aeldry Lawrence
Borneo GReP Rehabilitation Leader
Malaysia
GCS has been dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of gibbons in Pahang, in peninsular Malaysia, since 2013. Expansion to Borneo in 2023 was a big milestone, especially for the rehabilitation of native species like North Bornean gibbons (Hylobates funereus) and Abbott’s gibbons (Hylobates abbotti).
written by Donal Cotter, May 2024
GCS has been dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of gibbons in Pahang, in peninsular Malaysia, since 2013. Expansion to Borneo in 2023 was a big milestone, especially for the rehabilitation of native species like North Bornean gibbons (Hylobates funereus) and Abbott’s gibbons (Hylobates abbotti).
Meet Aeldry, Borneo GReP’s Rehabilitation Manager Aeldry, a native of Sabah, joined Borneo GReP in September 2023 as the Rehabilitation Leader. After completing her studies in Rainforest Ecology from the University of Malaysia Sabah, Aeldry’s passion for animal welfare led her to GCS. After just one interview it was clear that Aeldry was a great fit for Borneo GReP—she was hired on the spot!
Life at Borneo GReP
Living on-site, Aeldry works tirelessly seven days a week. Her day begins at 6:30 AM preparing food for the gibbons and guard dogs. Gibbons are fed at 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, plus an enriching “gibbon ball” snack at 12:30 PM. Aeldry’s work day typically wraps up around 4:00 PM. Between feedings, the team cleans the facility and tends to the gibbon garden. Onsite, they grow eggplants, tomatoes, and long beans to feed both staff and gibbons. Aeldry has plans to grow a wider variety of foods like papaya, durian and, the gibbons’ favourite, bananas! Such a cliché, we know!
Aeldry and the team are always observing the ‘tenants’, especially Manis and Candyman, male and female gibbons recently selected for socialization. For now, they’ve been placed in adjacent enclosures with a fenced-off tunnel connecting them. They’re able to observe each other and touch hands, but not much else. “It’s been almost five months. It can be a slow process,” she says, “It’s not like rehabilitation, where we have specific criteria we are measuring. When we pair gibbons, it’s always on a case-by-case basis. We just observe and use our best judgement.” Aside from ad-hoc observation, the team carries out specific observation every three months, for one full week. During this observation period, each gibbon is observed directly for 30 minutes per day and detailed notes are taken.
It’s Aeldry’s job to collect her and the team’s observations and enter that data into Excel for GCS management to review. This data determines the future of the Borneo GCS gibbons; when to attempt socialization and when they will eventually be released into the wild. “So far at Borneo GReP, no gibbons have been released into the wild. But I hope one day they will.” Finally, we asked Aeldry: What, besides gibbons, is her favourite animal? “Dogs! They are known for their loyalty and their unconditional love, their personality and intelligence. They are playful by nature and make deep bonds with people.” Thanks Aeldry for your tireless efforts at Borneo GReP!
Taiko
Canine Security Consultant
Malaysia
This month we highlight Taiko, one of Malaya GREP’s most dedicated ‘canine security consultants’ – AKA guard dogs! Taiko’s time with GCS began in some pretty harrowing circumstances – a close call that nearly cost his life.
written by Donal Cotter, April 2024
This month we highlight Taiko, one of Malaya GREP’s most dedicated ‘canine security consultants’ – AKA guard dogs! Taiko’s time with GCS began in some pretty harrowing circumstances – a close call that nearly cost his life.
While patrolling near Malaya GReP, Bam was drawn to the sounds of an animal in pain. She stumbled upon a gruesome scene; Taiko with his paw trapped in a hunter’s snare. She immediately knelt down to release him.
Poor Taiko was clearly in a lot of pain, but from the beginning he’s always been a fighter! After tending his wounds, the damage was assessed and experts told Bam the limb must be amputated. Bam’s response? No way.
Bam and the rest of the Malaya GREP team nursed Taiko back to health with a mixture of love, attention and, of course, stubbornness! Any other dog might have succumbed to the injury but this brave puppy fought hard and pulled through.
Today, Taiko stands proud on all four limbs, day after day, protecting his primate buddies (gibbon and human alike!) from danger. He’s healthy and fit, and wears his scar with pride.
Jacob J. Emerson
Former Onsite Volunteer
Australia
Jacob J. Emerson is a traveler and wildlife photographer who joined the onsite volunteer program at Malaya GReP in 2019. With his camera, he captured Dexter’s arrival as a former pet and the beginnings of his rehabilitation journey; he shared the story on his social media, garnering great support for our organization and demonstrating the powerful reception of online audiences to conservation efforts.
written by Erika Vincent, March 2024
Jacob J. Emerson is a traveler and wildlife photographer who joined the onsite volunteer program at Malaya GReP in 2019. With his camera, he captured Dexter’s arrival as a former pet and the beginnings of his rehabilitation journey; he shared the story on his social media, garnering great support for our organization and demonstrating the powerful reception of online audiences to conservation efforts.
Jacob says it was difficult to witness the condition that Dexter arrived at the rehabilitation site in, and to think of all the gibbons that won’t get the second chance that he did. But although it was difficult, being able to see Dexter’s growth at Malaya GReP and knowing that he was able to facilitate the gibbon conservation efforts here at GCS using his special talents behind the camera was rewarding. Most notably, he organized a fundraising campaign online using his journalism skills, focusing on Dexter’s story. He believed it was important for people to see the whole process from the beginning to get a true grasp of why rehabilitation is so important, and why it is necessary to end the illegal wildlife trade entirely. The campaign was a success, bringing in much needed funds and spreading crucial awareness in the process. Besides GCS, Jacob travels to a lot of amazing locations full of interesting wildlife. He says he loves photographing marine life and has a soft spot for sea lions, given their playful nature and colorful personalities. He also loves the pictures he takes of primates for similar reasons, especially when he gets a shot of them looking directly into the camera. They say the eyes are the window to the soul—so these rare photos are definitely captivating! Feel free to head over to his Instagram linked below to see more of his beautiful work for yourself. Jacob returned to Malaya GReP in 2022 and was able to see the progress made by not only Dexter, but by the whole operation. The site had been developed more, the dogs he knew as puppies had all grown up, and the gibbons’ mental conditions were improving. Additionally when he first arrived, the volunteer program had not yet started. Now thanks to his help, it’s up and running; he recommends the program to any exceptional person who loves nature, gibbons, and gaining new experiences! We are very grateful that Jacob decided to use his artistic eye and storytelling talents to help us at Malaya GReP. His company is always appreciated and we hope he visits GCS again very soon! Thank you Jacob!
(speaking about GCS and the onsite volunteer program): “The GCS is like my family. i’ve never felt so welcomed somewhere… and working with Bam and the team with this common cause and seeing how they progress is just such a fulfilling feeling; being able to be a part of that– surrounding yourself with passionate people that are so willing to take you in and accept your help”.
Zainal 'Abah' Abidin
Kampung Ulu Sungai Community Leader
Malaysia
Zainal Abidin has been the Kampung Ulu Sungai Community Leader for around 40 years. He is known there as ‘Abah’, the Malay word for ‘dad’. He has been an active part of the village’s growth from the development of roads in the area to the establishment of the Malaya Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GReP), which he aided in finding a good location for. Since then, he and the rest of the community have been working with GCS to create sustainable tourism opportunities in the area.
written by Erika Vincent, February 2024
Zainal Abidin has been the Kampung Ulu Sungai Community Leader for around 40 years. He is known there as ‘Abah’, the Malay word for ‘dad’. He has been an active part of the village’s growth from the development of roads in the area to the establishment of the Malaya Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GReP), which he aided in finding a good location for. Since then, he and the rest of the community have been working with GCS to create sustainable tourism opportunities in the area.
Abah’s favourite thing about the village is the strong sense of community above all else; Penduduk Mukim Batu Talam boasts strong relationships between villagers, surrounding townships, indigenous groups in the area, and of course, GCS. He also advocates for the forest itself, which is rich in biodiversity and has not been altered much by humans. Gibbons, elephants, and tigers are just a few of the amazing animals that live there! As for local cuisine, a fruit grows in the forest called “Aslam” which Abah notes that villagers enjoy eating with fish or meat. Maybe you would like to try it if you visit! Since the establishment of Malaya GReP, Abah says Kampung Ulu Sungai has received many international tourists who come to visit because of the gibbons. In the village, visitors find a welcoming community excited to share all that it has to offer. Without the support of Abah and the rest of the community, Malaya GReP and our Eco-Edu-Tourism programs would not be possible, and we are very grateful for all of their help and enthusiasm. We look forward to growing our operations alongside this wonderful community!
Surena Nuid
Former GCS Director of Human Resources, Occupational Safety and Health
Malaysia
Since the very beginning, Surena Nuid has been an important part of the Gibbon Conservation Society. She’s known founder Mariani “Bam” Ramli from before GCS was created, and has watched the projects grow into what they are today from the beginning. She serves as the Human Resources Coordinator and Director of Occupational Safety and Health. She is currently one of the only Occupational Safety and Health directors in the field of wildlife management in Malaysia, and she intends to become an expert in the industry.
written by Erika Vincent, January 2024
Since the very beginning, Surena Nuid has been an important part of the Gibbon Conservation Society. She’s known founder Mariani “Bam” Ramli from before GCS was created, and has watched the projects grow into what they are today from the beginning. She serves as the Human Resources Coordinator and Director of Occupational Safety and Health. She is currently one of the only Occupational Safety and Health directors in the field of wildlife management in Malaysia, and she intends to become an expert in the industry.
At GCS, the well-being of staff and volunteers is of utmost importance; without them, the projects couldn’t run. Surena makes sure that everyone is safe and happy on the job and ensures that everything runs as smoothly as possible. The plotting, financing, and opening of Borneo GReP was another huge undertaking that Surena was heavily involved in. From going into the forests to choose land, speaking to locals to gain support, pinching pennies to fund the massive project, and working within IUCN guidelines and around COVID-19 restrictions, it was certainly no easy task. We at GCS are extremely grateful for Surena and all of her support through even the most difficult times. Surena says that although the goals of GCS are not yet fully realized, she believes that the work being done at the rehabilitation sites will set the stage for future conservation endeavours at an international level. She was thrilled at the unprecedented birth of baby Axel to parents Ebony and Coley at Malaya GReP, and eagerly awaits the family’s release. She hopes that gibbon populations will one day be healthy and stable so that everyone will be able to hear their wonderful songs in the forest.
A message from Surena:
“I can’t wait to see our rehabilitation sites become places where people listen to gibbons singing while enjoying the beauty of nature.”
Khesveny Nyanaguru
Former GCS Assistant Society Manager
Malaysia
Khesveny Nyanaguru is the former Assistant Society Manager for GCS. She was tasked with carrying out fundraising endeavours, outreach to businesses through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnership program, and grant writing – although her favourite thing to do at GCS was to work with volunteers.
written by Erika Vincent, December 2023
Khesveny Nyanaguru is the former Assistant Society Manager for GCS. She was tasked with carrying out fundraising endeavours, outreach to businesses through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnership program, and grant writing – although her favourite thing to do at GCS was to work with volunteers. She enjoyed talking to people from all over the world with very different experiences and skill sets who all shared a vision for a better future through conservation. She also liked to coordinate events, an activity she found particularly rewarding. Some highlights for her included the screening of the film Finding Solo by Myles Storey and an event in partnership with the video game Gibbon: Beyond the Trees by Broken Rules.
Now in a master’s program for Animal Law at Lewis & Clark Law School, Khesveny says that working for GCS has inspired her to pursue this career path by reinforcing her desire to work with animals. Her new coursework is helping her to become an even better steward of wildlife, and we at GCS do not doubt that she will go on to do great things for wildlife and people alike. We believe that anyone can have a positive effect on the world around them. For Khesveny, that begins with taking the time and effort to educate yourself about important animal welfare and social rights issues. Sometimes these subjects can be draining but by setting boundaries and making the conscious decision to do what we can, every one of us may take pride in knowing we are bettering ourselves and the planet every day. Although Khesveny is now pursuing her higher education in the United States, she still advocates for GCS to her peers and hopes to see us continue to cultivate our conservation efforts in Malaysia. She looks forward to the growth of the eco-edu-tourism programs that GCS now offers, as they are a fun way for tourists to explore Malaysia’s beauty while also directly supporting our gibbon rehabilitation. We are grateful for all of the work Khesveny has done for GCS and beyond, and we wish her a successful career and much happiness as she moves forward on her path to making the world a better place!
A message from Khesveny:
“I’m doing my best. Although it is mentally taxing sometimes, it is what the heart calls for.”
Farhanah Bamadhaj
Former Malaya GReP Project Manager
Malaysia
Farhanah Bamadhaj is the former Project Manager for Malaya GReP and has been assisting GCS since. She managed a variety of tasks which included managing supplies and on-site vehicles as well as cooking for all of the gibbons, security dogs, and staff. She was also a surrogate mother to a couple of the gibbons, including Ebony.
written by Erika Vincent, November 2023
Farhanah has always loved animals, especially primates, but didn’t always know about proper conservation. When she met our founder Mariani “Bam” Ramli, she learned a lot about appropriate animal handling procedures and knew that she wanted to help; that’s when she joined GCS. She still finds time to drop into Malaya GReP every now and then to see the animals and visit with the staff, and it is always a pleasure when she does! As a cook, she made use of plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those native to Malaysia. Some of the Malaysian dishes she would make for the staff included kuah lemak, pecel, kuah asam, and nasi lemak. The Malaya GReP volunteers were always thankful for her hard (and delicious) work in the kitchen after a long day!
Farhanah’s surrogacy work was also crucial for the gibbons. Surrogacy is only provided when unavoidable—to infants (<2 years old) who would normally still be clinging to their mothers. They are very fragile both physically and mentally at this age, much like human infants. Human contact with gibbons is usually avoided to ensure that the gibbons don’t learn to trust or rely on humans, which is very dangerous for them. In the case of surrogacy, however, it is important that the gibbons receive love and encouragement to build their confidence and ensure healthy psychological development.
Ebony was very timid when she arrived at Malaya GReP due to her traumatic infancy as a pet and displayed stereotypical behaviours. Now, she is nearly ready to be released. Farhanah is extremely proud of her progress and trusts the knowledge of the experts who crafted the IUCN Best Practice Guidelines for the Rehabilitation and Translocation of Gibbons. She hopes that baby Axel will put Malaysia on the map in gibbon conservation- GCS is the first of its kind in the country after all!
A message from Farhanah: “I believe that if you can’t do something in life, you can at least help those who can. When the jungle sings again, you will be proud to know you were a part of that voice”.
Zachary Julian Lussier
GCS Online Volunteer
Germany
Zachary Julian Lussier (also known as Zach) has volunteered online with the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) for almost two years, working on educational projects and assisting with his writing skills in different aspects of the GCS website and social media. He has witnessed the growth of the organization from its small roots and has put in a lot of time and effort to help expand its educational capacities. He is a teacher and writer who is passionate about making conservation accessible for everyone – not just people with scientific backgrounds.
written by Erika Vincent, October 2023
Zachary Julian Lussier (also known as Zach) has volunteered online with the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) for almost two years, working on educational projects and assisting with his writing skills in different aspects of the GCS website and social media. He has witnessed the growth of the organization from its small roots and has put in a lot of time and effort to help expand its educational capacities. He is a teacher and writer who is passionate about making conservation accessible for everyone – not just people with scientific backgrounds.
Zach believes that if he had known from a young age that humans were also apes, just like gibbons, his perspective on their importance would have been very different: “There is nothing on this planet like a gibbon. What really surprises me about them is seeing them brachiating, it really makes you think about the intelligence of this animal. The way they navigate an extremely dense and complicated environment at extreme speed with grace, without mistakes…it’s simply awesome”.
One of the most important ways he believes we can help primates no matter where we are is by being alert on social media. Most people are unaware that pet primate content is cruel and perpetuates the decline of species through poaching and brutal capture methods. Being observant online is something that anyone can do- it’s just about knowing how to spot the cruelty.
While visiting Vietnam in 2018, Zach became infatuated with gibbons after seeing a family of Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbons (Nomascus gabriellae) in person in the forest. Seeing them in the wild was magical and made him think more about their high intelligence, which is often downplayed because they are ‘just animals’- but Zach’s creative writing brings the true cleverness and wonder of gibbons to many people, making people fall in love with them the way he did years ago. He joined the GCS online volunteer program after seeing the wild gibbon family; their beauty inspired him to get involved with their conservation. He says he was excited to see that GCS was accepting volunteers, as he had been following us on social media for a while. We are so grateful for all of Zach’s efforts throughout his time at GCS. His continuous contributions to gibbon conservation and his hard work as a volunteer for almost two years is invaluable to us. We hope to keep working together for the gibbons much more time!
A message from Zach:
“I always think about how we conceive education – If we thought about education as “people discovering” throughout their lives, where each time they make a ”discovery” it’s a huge deal for them, it would be much more interesting to invest in it.”
Teh Ke Wei
GCS Treasurer
Malaysia
Teh Ke Wei is a dentist by day who has been volunteering at Gibbon Conservation Society for over two years and is currently serving as treasurer. I had the privilege of speaking to her about her time spent at GCS to learn more about the different aspects of work being done as well as the progress that she’s seen over her volunteership.
written by Erika Vincent, September 2023
Teh Ke Wei is a dentist by day who has been volunteering at Gibbon Conservation Society for over two years and is currently serving as treasurer. I had the privilege of speaking to her about her time spent at GCS to learn more about the different aspects of work being done as well as the progress that she’s seen over her volunteership.
She started on-site at the Malaya Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (Malaya GReP) when she decided she wanted to try something new. Because she loves wildlife, she chose to look into opportunities in conservation and stumbled on Malaya GReP. She started off here by preparing gibbon lunches and cleaning enclosures, and she elected to continue volunteering after her on-site period was up. From there, she joined the social media crew before eventually becoming treasurer. She is currently in charge of allocating funds to different sectors of GCS as well as overseeing accounts and doing annual reports.
About GCS, KeWei says she has always been confident about their ability to make progress thanks to the great leadership skills and determination of Director Mariani ‘Bam’ Ramli and Vice-President Stephanie Theresa. When she first started on-site almost three years ago, it was overwhelming how much needed to be done for the gibbons before they were eligible for release. Yet, despite challenges, the birth of Axel has proven that anything is possible, and she hopes that the family is able to be released soon. Ke Wei is humble about her role at Gibbon Conservation Society, but her kindness is certainly crucial to the team, and we’re grateful to have her with us!
Ke Wei believes that everyone should support a cause that they believe in, no matter what it is; we should all strive to do better for others. She supports GCS because they are doing the right work, aiming to be stewards for those with no voice. As she notes, without funding, nothing can be done – and as a non-profit organization, GCS relies heavily on the gratuity of our wonderful supporters. We hope you consider supporting our campaign to get Axel and his family home; whether that’s through donation or simply spreading the word, your assistance is incredibly valuable to us and we thank you for your loyalty to the gibbons!
Dr. Susan M. Cheyne
Vice-Chair of IUCN Primate Specialist Group of Small Apes,Co-Director of Borneo Nature Foundation & GCS Expert Advisor
UK
Susan is one of GCS’ biggest supporters, as she is part of the people who first helped Bam from the very beginning of this organisation by getting funding opportunities, building the first gibbon rehabilitation enclosures at Malaya GReP and connecting her with other experts around the world.
written by Harry Rooms, August 2023
While Dr. Susan M. Cheyne was at Malaya GReP, Aisyah, our communications assistant, was able to conduct an interview to find out more about the audit and Susan’s thoughts of Malaya GReP. Susan is originally from Scotland but she has had her heart stolen by gibbons and now is a world-leading expert on gibbons and works tirelessly with many others to save the singing-swinging apes! Susan first met Mariani “Bam” Ramli, founder and president of GCS, 10 years ago. Susan was inspired by Bam’s humble nature and her passion for gibbon rehabilitation and Malaysian conservation. ‘I feel very lucky to have a friend like her’, said Susan about her.
Susan is one of GCS’ biggest supporters, as she is part of the people who first helped Bam from the very beginning of this organisation by getting funding opportunities, building the first gibbon rehabilitation enclosures at Malaya GReP and connecting her with other experts around the world.
After ten years of unconditional support, this one was the first time she has been able to visit Malaya GReP. She said she was very impressed by how organised and professional the site is and she loved seeing the new baby, Axel. This is what Susan said about GCS and Axel’s birth :
‘I see Axel as a wonderful showcase of the good work GCS is doing. I’m happy to support this organisation because GCS gives gibbons the proper socialisation, behavioural and physical rehabilitation that is required when they are rescued from the pet trade. Malaysia needed a dedicated gibbon centre because they are such complex apes and GCS did just that. Malaya GReP is a great example of how gibbon rehabilitation should be done’.
‘One of the things that I love seeing about GCS is their social media – their posts and events, the fact that they’re a small team able to raise awareness about gibbons across Malaysia and the whole world. It’s absolutely fantastic how much work has been done in 10 years, with the whole team willing to learn’.
We are so thankful for Susan’s help through thick and thin during these 10 years operating for gibbon conservation and we are eagerly waiting for her audit’s outcomes to improve our procedures.
A message frm Susan to us all:
“My request to you is: please, do not keep wildlife as pets. These animals deserve to live in the wild, they belong here, that’s where they should be. If you want to see them, go and enjoy them in the wild, but don’t touch or interact with them, let them enjoy their space and respect it. Please, don’t keep them as pets, we need them in the wild. That’s their home. Respect your home, respect their home. Thank you!”
Sarah Jordan
Rehabilitation Leader at Borneo GReP
Malaysia
Sarah Jordan was the Rehabilitation Leader at Borneo GReP, a project by GCS to help rehabilitate the endangered North Bornean Gibbon and Abbot’s Gray Gibbon.
Life at the first gibbon rehabilitation centre in Malaysian Borneo
written by Harry Rooms, July 2023
Sarah Jordan is the Rehabilitation Leader at Borneo GReP, a project by GCS to help rehabilitate the endangered North Bornean Gibbon and Abbot’s Gray Gibbon. Sarah has a degree in conservation biology, has interned with orangutans, and was trained at Malaya GReP.
The rehabilitation work at Borneo GReP focuses on promoting the gibbons’ natural behaviours through their living conditions, enrichment and feeding. This helps them physically and mentally develop more like normal, wild gibbons. Some gibbons at Borneo GReP have stereotypic or abnormal behaviours such as self-harm and these need to be significantly reduced if these primates are to be released.
When the gibbons arrived, they were skinny, but after 7 months, they have put on weight and are fluffier! They exercise more; they play, climb and swing. Before, the gibbons would only sing once or twice a month, now they sing every day. All thanks to the hard work of the Borneo GReP team.
As part of their rehabilitation, the gibbons are given a different form of enrichment everyday. The purpose of enrichment is to reduce stereotypic behaviour and encourage mental stimulation and development. The enrichment provided at Borneo GReP is assessed through a S.P.I.D.E.R. framework. Firstly, the team Set goals for each gibbon, then they Plan and Implement the enrichment, collect Data based on observations, Evaluate the effectiveness, and Redevelop if needed. Each gibbon has their own personality, behaviours, and nature which requires individual enrichment programs. Sarah and the rest of the Borneo GReP team have come up with unique and interesting enrichments over the last 7 months, including a grasshopper enrichment which is leaves weaved to form the shape of a grasshopper to encourage interest in eating insects.
Sarah loves the gibbons singing and is excited seeing them meet their milestones in their rehabilitation journeys. Being a Sabahan herself, Sarah wants fellow Sabahans to learn about the gibbons that live so close. She also believes that young students who want to get into wildlife should come and conduct research at both GRePs!
Emma Martin
Onsite & Online Volunteer
UK
Emma has been volunteering onsite and online with GCS for a couple of years now ever since she and a friend saw a post asking for volunteers in Malaysia during the Covid pandemic.
Volunteering both Online and Onsite
written by Harry Rooms, June 2023
Emma first joined the onsite volunteer program at Malaya GReP for a month and, after only 2 weeks back in Kuala Lumpur, she came back and volunteered for another year because she loved it so much.
Emma has a lot of love for animals and the environment but she had no prior experience with primates or gibbons. One of the reasons why Emma loved volunteering at Malaya GReP was because every day was so different. The basic routine was always the same – feed the gibbons, clean the enclosure, give enrichment – but she was able to be creative, make her own fun, and enjoy her time with the other volunteers and staff. In the evenings she loved to play with the puppies, build furniture or enrichment, and swim in the river. Emma was able to learn many skills onsite such as data collection, working with bamboo, and even how to climb mangosteen trees.
Having been onsite for a whole year, Emma saw the day that three gibbons first came to Malaya GReP malnourished and saw the progress that they made. By the end of her volunteering, they were confident, singing, and brachiating all over the place. This connection with the gibbons and learning their personalities and quirks would help her volunteering online when writing the fact files for the AdoptaGibbon program.
Emma now helps with the in person events around Kuala Lumpur talking to people to help spread awareness of gibbons and the work that GCS does. She is working in a theatre in Kuala Lumpur, volunteering online, and always loves coming back to Malaya GReP.
Join us at an event in KL and meet Emma!
Goldie
Head of Security
Malaysia
Goldie plays a huge part in the success and smooth running of Malaya GReP. She helps protect the gibbons and staff from dangers, she teaches the other dogs how to swim, hunt, and protect, and she is a constant beacon of safety.
The Queen of Malaya GReP
written by Harry Rooms, May 2023
Goldie plays a huge part in the success and smooth running of Malaya GReP. She helps protect the gibbons and staff from dangers, she teaches the other dogs how to swim, hunt, and protect, and she is a constant beacon of safety.
I was able to interview Goldie with the help of Mariani Ramli (a,k.a. Bam Arrogancia), the Founder, President, and Director of GCS. The bond between Goldie and Bam is so strong and with these two in charge it is easy to see how GCS is in safe hands (and paws).
Goldie first came to GCS in 2018 from a durian farm when the owner could no longer afford to look after her and abandoned her. She was 8 months old and pregnant! When Goldie was about to give birth she followed Bam everywhere very closely. Goldie gave birth to two puppies in the bush next to the place where Bam stopped and then when they got back to camp Goldie sat on Bam’s lap and gave birth to three more puppies! Bam used to be afraid of dogs but Goldie taught her how to love dogs. In that moment of giving birth when wildlife is usually the most protective, Goldie trusted Bam and needed her help and support.
Goldie is very fierce and protective when she needs to be but is also very relaxed when there are no dangers nearby. She can read the vibe of any new person that comes onto her patch – she will follow any suspicious humans but if she can tell you are a friend she will let you go about your business. She loves to go for a swim in the big river but hates when she has to get a bath from a human!
Kara Watson
Social Media Volunteer
UK
Kara Watson, a passionate zookeeper from the UK, is a star volunteer at GCS. She helps managing GCS’s social media and supports the Adopt a Gibbon program.
The Star Social Media Volunteer
written by Harry Rooms, April 2023
Kara’s love for animals and conservation led her to educate others about the illegal pet trade and the negative aspects of social media. Despite living in the UK, she dedicates her free time to support GCS’s efforts. Kara values the skills and knowledge she gains from volunteering and dreams of visiting Borneo to meet the gibbons she has connected with through the adoption program.
Kara Watson, a zookeeper from the UK, is one of the star volunteers at GCS. Kara helps monitor and update GCS’s social media pages and also helps behind the scenes with the Adopt a Gibbon program. Kara fell in love with working with animals directly and developing relationships with them when she did a husbandry internship in the USA.
Kara is very passionate about educating people about the illegal pet trade and the darker sides of social media. Working as a zookeeper allows Kara to do some of this but working with GCS allows her to work more directly with conservation efforts. The flexibility of the volunteer program means that even with a full-time job, Kara can help GCS when she has free time and all the way from the UK!
Kara says that the volunteer program can be challenging but the skills that she has develops and learning about the gibbons and the work that GCS does has been amazing. Kara said, “You can connect with people all over the world with caring about animals no matter how you do it or what your job role is”. Kara would recommend the volunteer program to anyone saying, “You don’t have to work with animals or gibbons at all to do these things, you just have to be passionate”.
Kara hopes to visit Borneo and Malaya GReP one day (hopefully this year!) as she would love to see the gibbons that she has gotten to know through the Adopt A Gibbon program in person
Interested in joining the volunteering like Kara? Visit this link here to learn more and sign up: https://gibbonconservationsociety.org/support/
Justin Dalansu
Former Chairman of Gompito
Malaysia
Justin, the former chairman of Gompito, a community-based organisation in Kota Belud, Sabah, played a crucial role in the set-up of the new Borneo GReP site. He helped acquire the land and fostered a positive relationship between the nearby village in Kiau and the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS).
Justin’s key role in establishing Borneo GReP
written by Luke Robertson, March 2023
Justin, the former chairman of Gompito, a community-based organisation, played a crucial role in the set-up of the new Borneo GReP site. He helped acquire the land and fostered a positive relationship between the nearby village in Klau and the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS).
Gompito is one of GCS’s key supporters in Sabah. Gompito is aimed at creating stronger and more positive community values, preserving culture, encouraging environmental involvement, and promoting eco-tourism in the area. GCS and Gompito are also collaborating to develop and improve eco-educational tourism in the region. As a key supporter of the GCS, Gompito’s efforts have been critical in conservation efforts in the region.
Justin’s efforts were instrumental in establishing the first-ever rehabilitation centre for gibbons in Borneo. “The people of Gompito are happy because this new rehabilitation centre will give hope for the future, in terms of attracting people to learn,” said Justin. He also expressed optimism about the centre’s ability to attract visitors and educate them about the conservation of these primates.
“We think this new gibbon rehabilitation centre is a good one for the future of our village”, said Justin. The establishment of the new rehabilitation centre is an important milestone for Borneo.
This is important for Borneo, as Borneo GReP is the first of its kind in this region, and Justin has said “After it has some more time it will be interesting as this is the first rehabilitation centre for the gibbons in Borneo, Malaysia”.
Justin facilitated the connection between villagers who could provide a food source for the gibbons and our team. Justin’s contributions to the creation of the new site in Borneo have been critical, and his organisation, Gompito, continues to play an essential role in conservation efforts in the area.
Learn about Gompito here: https://www.facebook.com/gompito2001/
Hasrieta (Syikin) Asyikin Mohammad
Malaya GReP Project Manager
Malaysia
Hasrieta Asyikin Mohammad, also known as Syikin, is a city girl who took a risk and became the current project manager of Malaya GReP.
Adapting to the Jungle: A Project Manager’s Journey in Gibbon Rehabilitation
written by Khesveny Nyanaguru, February 2023
Hasrieta Asyikin Mohammad, also known as Syikin, is the current project manager of Malaya GReP, joining in 2019. Her daily work routine involves managing the on-site staff and volunteers, purchasing food for the gibbons, resourcing the necessary items for the rehabilitation project centre, compiling and tracking gibbon rehabilitation data and progress reports, and assisting the team with any help that they need at the project centre. Before joining GReP, Syikin’s interests did not include gibbons, however she wanted to explore working in a new field and was really interested in GReP being the first and only gibbon rehabilitation project in Malaysia. “I also wanted to be a part of the change in Malaysia,” she added.
Syikin struggled in the beginning as she was a city girl and was not used to working and living in the jungle environment, but eventually she adapted and she really loves her job now! “I didn’t know anything about gibbons, rehabilitation work, or animals in general when I joined GReP but now I have learned so much throughout my 3 years’ journey and I try to give my best everyday to make the rehabilitation process as smooth as possible for the gibbons,” Syikin replied when asked about her experience working in Malaya GReP.
Syikin mentioned that the team in Malaya GReP was faced with many challenges due to lack of resources but the team has been so resilient and persevered through all the challenges. When asked about Malaya GReP’s move to the new site, Syikin replied, “I am so happy that we have secured our own land and it’s a success for the team. The new land is also a better place for the gibbons and I feel happy for them as it is a closer imitation of their natural habitat.” Syikin also mentioned that the move to the new site was challenging due to complexities such as not having enough skilled people to build the enclosures and figuring out accommodation for all the staff and volunteers, and she added “We made it!,” with a spark of optimism. The main challenge of the rehabilitation project continues to be lack of staff and Syikin encourages hardworking, strong and resilient people to apply to be a part of the Malaya GReP team.
Syikin mentioned that gibbons are very similar to us. “We make sure everything is done appropriately from proper pairing, feeding, health check, data collection and other things to make the rehabilitation process faster. The rehabilitation process is not easy and it is long, but it is very important for gibbons’ survival in the wild once they are released and it is our duty to preserve and conserve the unique biodiversity of Malaysia.”
Natalie Overs
Borneo GReP Volunteer
UK
Natalie Overs helped GCS temporarily care for and prepare a 3 year-old North Bornean Gibbon, Noir for his transfer to and rehabilitation at Borneo GReP.
Get in touch with Natalie: Instagram @overs06
Noir’s Trusted Caretaker
written by Nur Husna Sani, January 2023
Natalie Overs, a vet nurse student, helped GCS temporarily care for and prepare a 3 year-old North Bornean Gibbon, Noir for his transfer to and rehabilitation at Borneo GReP.
Several years ago, Natalie reached out to GCS president, Bam regarding the Malaya Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Pahang. Having been in Sabah for a while, When Bam told her that GCS was planning to start another gibbon rehabilitation project in Kota Belud, Natalie immediately volunteered herself.
Noir, the youngest of the 5 gibbons at Borneo GReP, needed extra special care in his preparation to be moved to the project site. With Bam’s guidance, Natalie adjusted Noir’s diet, got him used to a feeding schedule and introduced routines similar to what he would get in Borneo GReP. In the wild, gibbons Noir’s age would have the full attention and care of both their parents. As he starts his rehabilitation, Noir will have to learn to be independent as one of the goals of proper rehabilitation is to ensure that gibbons do not rely on human for anything. Natalie has high hopes for his future.
“I really hope that he will be able fulfil the 7 criterias of rehabilitation. I have high hopes that he will. He has adapted amazingly so far since being move [to Borneo GReP] and being so young he’s got a really amazing opportunity.. I just really hope one day can be released back to the wild.” said Natalie.
“Noir is very playful, very active, very energetic. Can be quite boisterous … very naughty, very curious about everything.” she added, when asked about Noir’s character.
Natalie said she was surprised by how fast gibbons are. She also thinks that their acrobatic moves which are influenced by the anatomy of their shoulders are amazing. It is also wonderful to her that they have such beautiful singing.
Natalie wishes for more people to learn more about gibbons, understand their behaviours and their importance for the ecosystem.