Rainforest trek to protect orang-utans

Man from West Berkshire on Borneo expedition to help save threatened species

A WEST Berkshire man has trekked through unmapped rainforest to help save orang-utans from brutality.

Neil Robbins, aged 28, of Tilehurst, took part on the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)'s Borneo Jungle Explorer Trek to the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary, which has over 1,000 traumatised orphaned and injured orang-utans.

Orang-utans are among the ten most threatened animals in the world and Mr Robbins has been raising money towards a £3,200 target to help care for them before going on this adventurous journey.

He trudged up mountains higher than Ben Nevis and splashed through jungle streams in Borneo's oppressive humidity, sleeping, eating and trekking in dense, remote rainforest on his way to the sanctuary.

His physical efforts were rewarded with the opportunity to be one of a handful of westerners to visit the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary and see orang-utans first hand.

Mr Robbins, who lost four stone in weight and ditched drinking in preparation for the trip, said he found the trek very testing. “The Borneo trek was the most extreme challenge I've ever done,” he said.

“We were so drained both physically and emotionally after five days of trekking through a beautiful yet unforgiving terrain.

“I admit that I almost lost any remaining man points when I saw baby orang-utans in the wild. It was proof that the rehabilitation process really works.”

WSPA Community Fundraising Manager Jane Rockliffe said: “Everyone at WSPA would like to congratulate Neil on his achievement and thank everyone who supported them.

“The money they have raised will be a fantastic contribution towards the cost of looking after the orang-utans they saw at the Nyaru Menteng sanctuary.”