In the heart of Bornean’s rainforests, where the battle to save orangutans is fought every day, partnerships matter. Among the many allies standing side by side with the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, one organization has been an unwavering companion from the very beginning: Orangutan Outreach (OO).
Founded in 2007 by Richard Zimmerman, Orangutan Outreach is a U.S.-based charity (EIN: 26-0521285) committed to protecting orangutans in their native habitat. The seeds of this alliance were planted in 2006, when Zimmerman made his first visit to BOS Foundation’s Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre. What he saw left an indelible impression—vast forest destruction, hundreds of displaced orangutans in cages, and a team of conservationists grappling with overwhelming financial challenges.
From that moment, Zimmerman knew he had to act. Orangutan Outreach was born with a clear purpose: to raise international awareness of the orangutan crisis and to channel urgently needed funds to support BOS Foundation's rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.
For almost 20 years, Orangutan Outreach has stood with BOS Foundation, ensuring that orangutans in their care receive the second chance they deserve. Through relentless advocacy and fundraising, Orangutan Outreach has raised nearly $2 million USD for BOS Foundation to date.
At the heart of this support is the Orangutan Outreach adoption program, which has featured 16 BOSF orangutans since 2007. The program has not only generated essential funding but also cultivated a global community of orangutan advocates who follow the lives and journeys of their adopted apes.
But the support from Orangutan Outreach doesn’t end with day-to-day assistance—it extends across time, through every challenge and triumph. Whether faced with a long-term development project or an unexpected crisis, the BOS Foundation has always been able to count on the steadfast commitment of their friends at Orangutan Outreach.
During the devastating fire seasons of 2015 and 2019, when flames threatened orangutan habitats and safety, Orangutan Outreach quickly stepped in with emergency funding to support fire-fighting efforts on the ground. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations and endangered both orangutans and caretakers in 2020, OO once again provided critical response support, ensuring the health and safety of the rehabilitation centres.
Beyond emergency relief, Orangutan Outreach has played a vital role in building and enhancing the infrastructure that supports orangutan welfare and rehabilitation. In 2017, their funding helped complete the construction of a new Baby House at Nyaru Menteng, offering 16 rescued baby orangutans a safe, nurturing space to begin their recovery. They also supported the development of the NM2 complex, including a brand-new Forest School—an essential facility where young orangutans learn the crucial survival skills needed for life in the wild.
Orangutan Outreach has also invested in the future of orangutan habitats by funding reforestation projects in the Mawas area, helping to restore degraded lands and preserve vital ecosystems. Understanding that not all orangutans are releasable, OO has championed the creation of sanctuary islands—natural, cage-free environments where these individuals can live safely with dignity.
Their dedication continues. Orangutan Outreach remains deeply involved in the ongoing development of the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation and Conservation Area, working closely with BOS Foundation to ensure it remains a leading centre for orangutan rescue, care, and conservation.
The bond between Orangutan Outreach and the BOS Foundation is not just a partnership—it is a powerful example of how compassion, when paired with action, can transform lives. With a shared mission and mutual respect, these two organizations have made real, lasting change for one of the world’s most endangered great apes.
As new challenges emerge and the forests of Borneo continue to face threats, Orangutan Outreach remains a steadfast ally, ready to answer the call—whether it’s providing emergency support or celebrating the release of another rehabilitated orangutan into the wild.
Together, BOS Foundation and Orangutan Outreach are proving that collaboration is the key to conservation success—and that, with global solidarity, the future of orangutans can still be wild and free.
The Mawas Conservation Program is a proven model for large-scale forest restoration. With our project partner Weleda, our teams on the ground are actively assisting in the management of 309,000 hectares of peatland to reduce the risk of forest fires,
One of the pillars of BOS Australia's success has been the support from long-term partners like the King Living Foundation, who have made significant contributions to our efforts, particularly within the Samboja Lestari Sanctuary.
The orangutan rehabilitation process requires the use of forested manmade islands to help orangutans further develop and hone survival skills.
