Overview of the Project

The project is located on Phuket - an island off the south coast of Thailand . This island currently houses over seventy gibbons. The aim of this project is the rehabilitation of gibbons back into their natural habitat, additionally providing ongoing care to those unsuitable for repatriation, some of which are infected with communicable diseases. The minimum stay required is three weeks.

The oldest and most famous of our projects is the GRP, which houses a sanctuary dealing exclusively with gibbons many of whom have come to us by various means, from situations of abuse and cruelty. The GRP provides a refuge for these unfortunate animals who, through no fault of their own, have fallen victims to uncaring and thoughtless humans. The sanctuary was created in the late 1980s by people concerned about the large number of gibbons being exploited in bars and restaurants in the Phuket area. As they were being kept illegally, the idea was to have them confiscated and housed at the sanctuary - later to be released back into the forest.

Little knowledge of gibbons existed at the time, but it quickly became apparent that most of the confiscated animals were quite incapable of ever leading a life of self-sufficiency in the forest. Their proximity and time spent with humans had destroyed all their natural behavioral patterns. Very few were found retaining the instincts to survive in the wild and these - after a period of rehabilitation - were released. The same situation exists today with the majority of gibbons staying with us on a long-term basis. For these animals, we provide on-going welfare. Those showing the ability for release are entered into a program where, under the direction of our team of Thai Staff, they are prepared for freedom/re-introduction. Amongst the activities the volunteers at the GRP are involved in, most involve all aspects of welfare of the long stay gibbons and in the observation of the behavioral activities of the ones that have been given their freedom.