If you’ve ever asked me what I want to do when I grow up, the answer has always been the same: work with orangutans. Earlier this year, I got to live a piece of that dream while volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo — an experience that changed me forever.

I met orangutans with all kinds of personalities — shy, cheeky, clever — and saw the deep bonds they form with each other and the devoted staff who care for them. These people work tirelessly: building climbing structures, creating enrichment activities, running jungle school, treating injuries, and helping traumatised animals learn how to be wild again.

One of the most powerful moments of my life was watching five orangutans return to the forest. But not all are that lucky. Many are rescued from unimaginable situations — kept as pets, orphaned, injured by deforestation, even found in brothels. Every orangutan at the sanctuary has a story of survival — and they all deserve better.

So, I completed a half-marathon — entirely in sand — to raise money for their care. I’m raising funds for the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, so they can continue rehabilitating, caring for, and releasing orangutans back into the wild — and supporting every individual in their care along the way.

If you can donate — thank you. Every dollar helps. If not, sharing this means just as much.

Let’s give more orangutans the future they deserve.

With love,

Lily