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Name: Caroline Aldred
Programme: Orang-utan experience
Dates: 4th March - 1st April
How did Real Gap assist you with your expectations?
Ok, I didn't have a huge amount of contact prior to the experience apart from to pay and for the odd question, but I know if I needed anything I could have called.
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What was the accommodation like?
Basic, but had everything we needed. The only thing we could have done with was a fridge when staying in the hotel while on the zoo part of the project, but we got by on fruit and pastries so not a big deal.
When in the rainforest it was much better than I had expected it to be. I certainly didn't expect to have a toilet so that was a really nice surprise.
What did you think of the programme?
It was just the most amazing experience of my life and I am so glad I did it. Getting to play with lion cubs on the 1st day was just the start of it. One of my most memorable moments was when Julie the chimp sat on my lap on my last day at the zoo, and when stuart the black & white lemur would run from his hammock to greet me when I called his name, and of course Wasabi the orang-utan when we played with her every day and she would drink water out of our bottles and wash her hair and pull funny faces. |
The group I was with were just the best, I couldn't have been put with better people if I'd chosen them myself. We had so many funny moments, silly things that would have us in stitches for hours, and little sayings that we would drop into the conversation right until that last day.
How have you benefited from your experience?
I never thought I could do something like that, especially not on my own, but it's made me realise that I can, and that I'm stronger than I give myself credit for. I would really love to have a career now working with animals, the only thing stopping me is my age & the money. Unfortunately it's a career you do for love and when you reach 27 you obviously have certain bills etc that must be paid and I don't actually think I could afford to live.
What advice could you offer to someone considering this project?
DO IT!!!!! It was the best thing I have ever ever done. There were times when it was tough, especially trekking in the rainforest, but I wouldn't change a minute of it. The memories I have I will treasure forever.
 Further information on the Malaysia Orang-utan Experience
Return to Asia Travel Stories
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