Back in Australia!

Home sweet home! Ahhhh....it's nice to be back in the comfort of our own bed and surroundings!

The travels were fantastic and we feel enriched by the experience. 
My herb gardens are overgrown and the passion fruit vine has been climbing onto the security screen, so I know what I'm doing over the Easter weekend!
We have 1 month at home and then we head off to Vancouver for 2 months. I'll start another blog then. Thanks for reading!

The Orangutans: "Men of the Forest"

 

At the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: A young orangutan spotted the milk tray on the feeding platform and leapt through the trees to have a drink.

Mmmmmm.......delicious!

Too good! Can't get enough of it!

Hey Joe, got anymore of that milk??

 

Just hanging out!

Wildlife along the Kinabatangan

  Macaques in the wild, viewed from our boat

 Just let me get that nit out of your fur

  

 Peek-a-boo

 

Getting close and personal

 Looks a little uncomfortable!

 

 Looking like a man sitting in the trees, this large male probiscus monkey was watching over his harem of about 12 females. We couldn't get any close up pictures, but their noses are huge!

Soaring Eagle

A Hornbill

 

A rather large iguana

 

A smaller iguana

 

A Malaysian Kingfisher

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo

Banana's anyone?!

Look Ma the splits!

Mum hanging out in the trees....

Okay, so these Orangatans were in a rehabilitation centre and not in the wild, but it didn't take away from the incredible feelings of wonder as we watched them play, eat and climb through the trees. If it wasn't for the Sepilok Rehab Centre, these orangatans would not be alive, for they have been rescued from local palm oil plantations where farmers see them as pests. Most people are now aware of palm oil and its connection to the demise of orangutans. The reality of this hit us as we flew across the width of Borneo to Sandakan on the East coast. We were stunned by the extent of palm oil plantations, appearing lush and green from the air. Neat rows of palm trees have replaced the natural rainforest and the habitat of the orangutan. Only 3% of the natural forest remains in Borneo. So, what will become of the "Man of the forest?" Fortunately, there are enough concerned and dedicated people helping to save these beautiful animals who have 96% in common with our DNA.
On our second day in Borneo, we headed up the Kinabatangan River in a boat to an eco lodge. Along the river bank, we were fortunate to spot a male orangutan in the trees  busily eating some large pine nuts.  Orangutans are solitary creatures and very shy, so we weren't surprised when he suddenly climbed down from the tree top, walked deeper into the jungle and climbed another tree,  camouflaging himself from us.

We were lucky to share some space with this beautiful male orangutan.

Welcome to Borneo!!!!