The Orangutan Project (TOP) is the world's foremost not-for-profit organisation, supporting orangutan conservation, rainforest protection, local community partnerships and the rehabilitation and reintroduction of displaced orangutans back to the wild, in order to save the two orangutan species from extinction.

TOP is a non-partisan organisation that collaborates with several orangutan conservation projects, as well as providing habitat protection through its own programs to deter wildlife poaching, illegal logging and land clearing in Indonesia.

The organisation provides technical and financial assistance directly to conservation projects and orangutan rescue and rehabilitation centres. This includes much needed resources for the day-to-day care needs, the reintroduction of orphaned orangutans and the locating and securing of release sites. Presently there are over 2,000 orphaned orangutans living in care centres in Borneo and Sumatra.

TOP's philosophy is to work flexibly and tailor what is necessary to get the job done for orangutan conservation and welfare, with TOP's organisations needs always subservient to the best outcome for orangutans.

The underlying philosophy of the TOP is:
1.no criticism of fellow orangutan organisations
2.building partnerships between organisations, and
3.funds to be distributed according to scientifically determined conservation priorities

The objectives of the TOP have many flow-on effects that both protect other Critically Endangered Species, such as the Sumatran tiger, elephant and rhino, as well as indigenous communities and the remaining rainforest in Borneo and Sumatra.

Saving the rainforest is the single most cost-effective way to save our planet. The reduction of the rainforest accounts for approximately 20% of global warming – more than all the transport systems in the world put together. Protecting the rainforest means protecting the lifeblood of our earth, and our vital stores of carbon.

The orangutan's rainforest habitat is disappearing at an unprecedented rate. 80% of the orangutan's rainforests has been decimated in the past 20 years. Much of what remains is degraded by drought, forest fires and illegal logging. This destruction is also inflicting a massive amount of suffering on a species that is 97% genetically identical to humans, intelligent as a 5 to 6 year old child and is self-aware. Tragically, extinction in the wild is likely for both Sumatran and Bornean orangutans if we do not take immediate action.

The TOP aims to ensure the survival of orangutans in the wild within available populations and their welfare. This is done by conducting TOP's own work and assisting other accredited conservation projects according to the most effective outcomes for the species.

For further information call us on 1300 733 273 (1300 RED APE)