On call for all biodiversity within the 500,000 acres of the protected areas where we work; collating the only bird list for Lamandau Wildlife Reserve; resident photographer - there is never a dull moment for Dr. Wawan.
Dr. Wawan
Having first joined Orangutan Foundation in 2010, Dr. Wawan returned as one of our veterinarians in 2022 alongside Dr. Dimas.
What is the most exciting part of being an Orangutan Foundation veterinarian?
“Rescuing orangutans and wildlife like sun bears and other primates is the most exciting work. Rescues occur one or two times a month and we have saved dozens of wild animals.”
Dr. Wawan and rescue team preparing for a translocation
Though we hope any stranded animals will return on their own accord to a forested area, sometimes a rescue and translocation is required. In these cases, the individual must be safely tranquilised and if located in a tree, caught with a large net.
“As a vet my role is to prepare anaesthetic darts that will be used to anaesthetise the animal, then to check the orangutan or animals health before its released back into the safe forest.”
Dr. Wawan and tranquiliser
It is important that animals are only released if they are in a good condition – if they are injured or in poor health, they must receive further care. Health assessments are critical to ensure the right decision is made.
“I do both physical and clinical checks, for which I need to take a blood and faecal sample, which will be checked in a medical laboratory.”
Dr. Wawan and Dr. Dimas are both integral to these essential health check-ups.
Dr. Wawan conducting a health check on one of the soft-release orangutans
What does a day’s work of an Orangutan Foundation veterinarian consist of?
The peat swamp forests of Borneo are not your everyday office - the commute is slightly different when your workplace is only accessible by boat!
On Tuesday mornings, Dr. Wawan boards a speedboat and travels along the river to the four camps in Lamandau Wildlife Reserve where the majority of our work is based.
“I make sure all orangutans or gibbons are in good condition. If there is any illness, then we give them medicine or treatment.”
With the health of all animals ensured, Dr. Wawan can move onto birdwatching and photography, which together provide the only verified bird list for Lamandau Wildlife Reserve and many of the photos used on social media.
“I hope we are able to work together to preserve orangutans and other wildlife and to preserve the forest forever.”
Birds of Lamandau Wildlife Reserve
