BUSINESS PARTNER
PROPOSAL
INTRODUCTION LETTER FROM THE
FOUNDER / PRESIDENT
Our partners mean a great deal to us at The Orangutan
Project (TOP). It is only through our partnerships with
other non-government organisations, local communities
and governments that we are able enact real on-theground conservation results. And it only through genuine
partnerships with our business sponsors that we can raise
the funds that are so desperately needed.
Through TOP Australian businesses can help fund projects
that actively contribute to: rainforest protection, saving
carbon stores, saving endangered species, looking after
local and indigenous communities, as well as the longterm economic stability of the region.
With the help of our Business Partners, TOP is able to fund
additional Wildlife Protection Units, increase the care
for orphan orangutans, protect rainforest and restore
damaged peat swamp forest. Tangible results for dollars!
We also can offer opportunities for staff incentive
tours, via our tour partners, to go and visit our programs
on the ground.
I sincerely hope that we can partner to save the
magnificent orangutan, while proving win-win solutions
for people, the environment and your company.
Yours truly,
Leif Cocks
Founder and President
The Orangutan Project
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
ABOUT ORANGUTANS AND WHY WE
SHOULD PROTECT THEM
Why protect endangered species?
About Orangutans
Orangutans are a Critically Endangered species that
share 97% of their DNA with humans. Their native home
in the tropical rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra may
seem far away but preservation is critical in maintaining
a fundamental balance of eco-systems that impact the
entire world. Orangutans are known as a flagship species,
as saving the orangutan also saves a myriad of wildlife
that inhabit the same forests.
Orangutans are great apes, as opposed to monkeys, and
are closely related to humans. Orangutans are extremely
patient and intelligent. As intelligent as a six year old
child, they are very observant and inquisitive, and there
are many stories of orangutans escaping from zoos after
having watched their keepers unlock and lock doors. In
fact, scientific studies have concluded that orangutans
are the most intelligent animal on earth, after humans.
Indonesian and Malaysian rainforests are one of Earth’s
major stores of carbon dioxide. Their preservation is a key
aspect of reducing global carbon emissions and minimizing
climate change.
More than ever before, remaining
rainforest is threatened with illegal logging for timber, clear
felling for palm oil and acacia plantations, drought and
fire as a result of the changing ecosystem. It is estimated
that over 85% percent of Sumatra’s forests have been
destroyed by commercial logging and agriculture and a
similar statistic in Borneo. Forests outside of protected areas
are disappearing before our very eyes. As large, solitary, tree-dwellers, they need extensive
rainforest areas in which to forage and live. Infant
orangutans usually stay with their mothers for up to eight
to twelve years and do not have their first baby until 15
years of age, so reproduction is very slow. This puts added
pressure on a species that is already under threat.
The Orangutan Project (TOP) is actively involved in
practical, on-the-ground work to stop widespread
illegal rainforest clearing and logging, much of which
is caused by the rapid encroachment of massive palm
oil plantations. Due mostly to rainforest destruction,
Indonesia emits more greenhouse gases than any other
country after the US and China.
Extinction in the wild is likely in the next 10 years for Sumatran
orangutans and soon after for Bornean orangutans. The
Sumatran species (Pongo abelii) is Critically Endangered
and the Bornean species (Pongo pygmaeus) of orangutans
is Endangered according to the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red
List of Threatened Species.
The challenge to save orangutans provides a unique
opportunity to promote and communicate these critically
important conservation and environmental issues. It is what The Orangutan Project is all about.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
OVERVIEW OF
THE ORANGUTAN PROJECT
About TOP
The Work
TOP is a non-profit organisation (with DGR status). It has
two aims:
TOP supports a range of projects in Borneo and Sumatra.
As a non-partisan organisation TOP collaborates with
several other world recognized orangutan conservation
projects in funding research, and the day-to-day care
for approx 2,000 orphaned orangutans. It also funds
Wildlife Protection Units, specially trained patrols that
deter poaching, illegal logging and land clearing. This
proactive approach is proving to be extremely effective.
a) to support wildlife conservation and habitat protection
in order to save the orangutan, other endangered
species and indigenous communities from extinction.
b)to help prevent further carbon emissions and climate
change caused by deforestation.
Whilst many hectares of rainforest in these areas are
disappearing daily due to logging and fires, there is still
scope to preserve what is left, and in some cases to start
rehabilitating and reclaiming former logged forest areas.
An important outcome of the projects TOP supports is
that they often provide meaningful paid jobs for local
villagers, giving them an alternative source of income to
employment on palm oil plantations, or through illegal
logging or wildlife poaching.
The Organisation
The organization was established in 1998 by Leif Cocks,
TOP’s President. Leif is an internationally recognised expert
in primate care, especially for orangutans. TOP is based in
Perth, WA, with fund raising groups active in every State
and Territory. It has a Management Committee of seven
volunteers. Funds raised via the TOP are distributed by a
panel of conservation experts.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
THE ORANGUTAN PROJECT
CONSERVATION FUND MANAGERS
As the TOP is a non-partisan organisation, we work with a number of other NGOs so that our funds are always spent on
the most effect and efficient way to help orangutans. We have a panel of Conservation Fund Managers, who are all
experts with unique and complementary expertise.
Leif Cocks
TOP Founder and President, Zoo Curator, Primate
Husbandry Advisor, Zoo Accreditation Officer, Animal
Population Biologist, Masters of Science studying
orangutans, and over 25 years experience working with
orangutans.
Kylie Bullo
TOP Project Manager, Honours Degree studying primates,
Senior Orangutan Keeper – Perth Zoo, extensive
experience as Acting Supervisor of Primates - Perth Zoo
and over 10 years experience working with orangutans.
Clare Campbell
President Silvery Gibbon Project, Vice President Asian
Rhino Project, Supervisor of Primates - Perth Zoo and over
8 years experience working with primates
Colin Groves
Professor, School of Archaeology and Anthropology,
Australian National University, world’s leading primatoglist
and author of modern orangutan taxonomy.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
OVERVIEW OF FUNDING AND YOUR
INVITATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Sources of Funds
TOP sources its income from:
• Orangutan ‘Adoptions’ whereby donors contribute
towards the support of orangutans in care. Donations
from individuals and businesses sourced through various
activities and its website (www.orangutan.org.au)
• Safeguard - this program supports the specially trained
Wildlife Protection Units to protect rainforest from illegal
logging and to carry out other vital work.
• Annual subscriptions from Registered Supporters.
• Sale of orangutan related merchandise – t-shirts, toys,
bags, caps and cards, etc.
Our Ambassador, Cornelia France in Borneo’.
work will often include assistance for research projects
to protect other endangered species or look at ways to
better manage the area for the future. Suddenly $7.50
has gone a long way!
• Grants from NGOs, zoos and private organisations.
• Fund raising events, such as quiz nights and shopping
centre stalls, etc.
How effective is it?
Funds are distributed to projects based on conservation
needs, scientific priorities, value for money and the past
performance. TOP seeks to ensure that the funds are
spent in the most cost effective way possible in order to
achieve the best outcome. It’s about achieving a ripple
effect so that every dollar spent has the widest (positive)
implications possible.
Why consider it?
Becoming a TOP Business Partner means that your
organization is helping to protect the orangutans and
their natural remaining habitat. Plus it’s something both
management and employees can share in. There are 4
levels of Partnership to choose from.
• The Partnership period is 12 months and, for that
period, your organization is entitled to the benefits
listed below.
• The promotion of business partners includes the
TOP eNewsletter (7,000+ subscribers), social media
accounts including Twitter (8,000+ followers) and
Facebook (6,000+ likes).
TOP runs by a dedicated team of volunteers around
Australia, thus there is very little expenditure in administration
and staff costs for the organization. For instance, it costs just
$7.50 per year to protect ten hectares of rainforest from
illegal logging through TOP’s Safeguard program.
Your organisation can choose to make a tax-deductible
donation or, in certain circumstances, sponsor a project
(for instance a new Wildlife Patrol Unit) or supply goods.
We are very happy to discuss these options.
This tiny investment helps to provide a safe place for
orangutan rehabilitation. It helps to preserve the rainforest
and associated ecosystems. It helps to provide training
and work for local villagers as Wildlife Patrol Units These
men might otherwise be forced to work on a palm oil
plantation in order to provide for their families. The patrol’s
In addition the TOP has a Workplace Giving Program in
place for employees, as well as tour partners that can
enable your organization and employees to actually visit
Borneo or Sumatra and see first hand the projects that
your funds are contributing to, as well of course, as the
amazing orangutan species.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
THE ORANGUTAN PROJECT
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP OPTIONS
Level 1: Green Partner
Contributions between $750 and $1,999
•
•
•
•
•
Certificate of acknowledgement.
Partnership listing and link on TOP website.
Partner’s gift-pack (a selection of merchandise to distribute to staff).
Use of TOP Partner logo on your company material.
Mention and link on TOP social media accounts (facebook/twitter).
Level 2: Orange Partner
Contributions between $2,000 and $4,999
•
•
•
•
•
Certificate of acknowledgement.
Partnership listing and link on TOP website.
Partner’s gift-pack (a selection of merchandise to distribute to staff).
Use of TOP Partner logo on your company material
2 x mentions and page links on TOP social media accounts (Facebook/twitter)
throughout the year.
• eNewsletter mention and link
• 1 year complimentary TOP Registered Supporter (Company) RRP $110.
Level 3: Canopy Partner
Contributions between $5,000 and $9,999
•
•
•
•
•
Certificate of acknowledgement.
Partnership listing and link on TOP website. Partner’s gift pack (a selection of merchandise to distribute to staff).
Use of TOP Partner logo on your company material.
4 x mentions and page like on TOP social media accounts (Facebook/twitter)
throughout the year.
• eNewsletter spotlight story on your organisation and website link.
• 1 year complimentary TOP Registered Supporter (Company) RRP $110.
• Complimentary adoption of an orphan orangutan in your company’s name.
Level 4: Cheek Padders*
Contributions of $10,000 and more
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Certificate of acknowledgement.
Partnership listing and link on TOP website.
Partner’s gift pack (a selection of merchandise to distribute to staff).
Use of TOP Partner logo on your company material.
6 x mentions and page like on TOP social media accounts (Facebook/twitter)
throughout the year.
eNewsletter feature story on your organisation and website link.
Complimentary 2 year TOP Registered Supporter (Company).
Complimentary adoption of 2 orphans in your company’s name.
Complimentary invitation to state events (limited to max value of $400).
Speaker from TOP at a chosen company event.
* Cheek Padders are mature male orangutans who display large cheek pads
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
THE ORANGUTAN PROJECT
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP OPTIONS
Business Partner Comparision Chart
BENEFITS
Certificate of
acknowledgement
Partnership listing and
link on TOP website
Partner’s gift-pack
GREEN
ORANGE
CANOPY
CHEEK PADDERS
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
x1
x2
x4
x6
1 year
1 year
2 years
spotlight story on your
feature story on your
organization
organization
1 orphan for 1 year
2 orphans for 1 year
Use of TOP Partner
logo on your company
material
Mention and link on
TOP social media
accounts (Facebook/
twitter)
Complimentary TOP
Registered Supporter
eNewsletter and link
to your company’s
website
Complimentary
adoption of an orphan
orangutan in your
company’s name.
Complimentary
invitation to state
events (limited to max
P
value of $400).
Speaker from TOP at
a chosen company
P
event.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
APPENDIX A:
CURRENTLY SUPPORTED PROJECTS
BATU MBELIN ORANGUTAN QUARANTINE CENTRE:
North Sumatra, Indonesia
Batu Mbelin is the only quarantine and care centre for
the Sumatran orangutan. It is located near Medan in
North Sumatra and was opened in 2002. Illegally held
orangutans confiscated in Sumatra are taken to the Batu
Mbelin Orangutan Quarantine Centre. Many have been
kept as pets or have been injured by palm oil plantation
workers. Orangutans are given a full medical check upon
arrival and treated for any illnesses and parasites. They
undergo a quarantine period before being introduced
to other compatible orangutans. When orangutans are
deemed suitable for release they are either sent to the
Bukit Tigapuluh release site in the province of Jambi or
to the Jantho Reintroduction centre in the province of
Aceh. TOP has assisted with running costs of Batu Mbelin
for many years.
CAMP BULUH ORANGUTAN RELEASE SITE:
Lamandau Reserve, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
The Lamandau Wildlife Reserve conservation area has
become a site for the release of ex-captive Bornean
orangutans into the wild. The Lamandau Ecosystem
Conservation Partnership supports camps in the reserve
for releasing and monitoring ex-captive orangutans.
Since 2005, TOP has supported the operation of one of
the release camps named Camp Buluh. A guard post
was also funded by TOP, which has been highly successful
in reducing illegal forest activities in the area.
IAR ORANGUTAN RESCUE CENTRE:
West Kalimantan, Indonesia
International Animal Rescue (IAR) signed a memorandum
of understanding in August 2009 with the Forestry
Department in West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo,
agreeing on plans for the rescue, rehabilitation and
relocation of orangutans that have lost their forest habitat
to make way for palm oil plantations. The agreement
allows for the purchase of land and the creation
of facilities where the rescued orangutans can be
rehabilitated before being released back into protected
areas of forest. TOP has assisted with running costs as well
as the design and development of a rescue centre in
Ketapang, West Kalimantan and the purchase of land.
KINABATANGAN ORANGUTAN CONSERVATION
PROGRAMME (KOCP): Sabah, Malaysia
KOCP was set up in 1998, aiming to achieve long-term
viability of orangutan populations in Sabah, Malaysia. The
Honorary Wildlife Warden team conduct a wide range
of activities such as guarding the Lower Kinabatangan
Wildlife Sanctuary from illegal activities, monitoring the
status of the local natural resources and identifying relevant
management measures and raising public awareness on
conservation issues. TOP has an ongoing history of support
for the KOCP Honorary Wildlife Warden programme.
LAMANDAU RESERVE:
Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
A designated conservation area since 1998, the Lamandau
River Wildlife Reserve is one of only a few official release
sites in Indonesia for the reintroduction of orangutans. In
2007, the Lamandau Ecosystem Conservation Partnership
was established to maintain the tropical forests of the
Lamandau River Wildlife Reserve and surrounding forests
as a functioning tropical forest ecosystem. TOP has
assisted with funding this project since 2008.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
APPENDIX A:
CURRENTLY SUPPORTED PROJECTS
MARIKE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (MEDI):
Sumatra, Indonesia
The overall aim of the MEDI is to link sustainable development
initiatives with a developing ecotourism industry based on
the natural beauty and biodiversity including Sumatran
orangutans in the Marike area. With financial support
from TOP, the local community will be trained with the
skills needed to manage and implement true, sustainable
ecotourism. Tree nurseries will be established to support
the restoration of national park forests, which have been
damaged by illegal encroachment. The MEDI will promote
conservation amongst communities living adjacent to areas
of high biodiversity, helping them protect and improve their
livelihoods and, in the process, safeguard an ecosystem of
vital importance in the global fight against climate change.
MOBILE EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION UNIT:
Sumatra, Indonesia
The Mobile Education & Conservation Unit (MECU) in Sumatra
is used to deliver targeted conservation education in remote
areas around the Gunung Leuser Ecosystem where human/
ape conflict exists, as well as conduct conservation related
programs benefiting ape survival. The project’s intent is to
provide a multipurpose, reliable vehicle for educators and
conservation specialists of the Orangutan Caring Club of
North Sumatra to access locations near orangutan habitat.
TOP supports this unit on a yearly basis.
NYARU MENTENG CARE CENTRE:
Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Reintroduction Project
is situated 28km outside of Palangkaraya, the capital of
Central Kalimantan. It is located within the boundaries
of the Nyaru Menteng Arboretum, a 62.5 ha lowland
peat-swamp forest ecosystem, founded in 1988 by the
Ministry of Forestry Regional office of Central Kalimantan.
The project aims to rescue orangutans that have been
displaced from their habitat or held in captivity as illegal
pets, and through quarantine and halfway housing release
the orangutans back into their natural environment. TOP
funding assists with the running costs of the centre and
surveys for appropriate release sites.
ORANGUTAN CARE AND QUARANTINE CENTRE (OCCQ):
Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
This care centre was established in 1998 for confiscated
ex-captive orangutans needing medical and other
care in preparation for release into the wild. The OCCQ
now holds over 300 orangutans and employs over 130
local staff including numerous veterinarians. The OCCQ
enables Indonesian wildlife officers, police, Centre staff
and concerned individuals to bring confiscated, sick
and injured orangutans (including wild orangutans) to
a facility in Central Kalimantan capable of providing a
very high standard of medical care. Young orangutans
are trained in preparation for release into the wild.
ORANGUTAN CARING SCHOLARSHIPS:
Sumatra, Indonesia
Established in 2006, the Orangutan Caring Scholarship
awards talented and disadvantaged Indonesian students
with tuition funding, to complete postgraduate programs
in Forestry and Biology. Through the program, recipients
develop an understanding of the plight of the orangutan,
and graduate as an advocate of orangutan conservation.
TOP is fully funding two such scholarships every year.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
APPENDIX A:
CURRENTLY SUPPORTED PROJECTS
SABANGAU PEAT SWAMP RESTORATION:
Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
In order to maintain Sabangau’s forest cover and
peatland resource and hence its high biodiversity, large
orangutan population, natural resource functions and
carbon store, there is an urgent requirement to restore
the natural hydrological conditions of the ecosystem
that have been severely compromised by intense illegal
logging. Forest fires and illegal incursions into the forest
must be prevented and deforested areas need to be
restored. Illegal logging canals will be dammed and forest
fires will be fought by supporting, training and equipping
fire-fighting teams in local villages. TOP provides vital
funds every year to support these activities.
SUNGAI PENGIAN STATION SUMATRAN ORANGUTAN
REINTRODUCTION SITE:
Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia
The Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem, located in the provinces
of Jambi and Riau in Sumatra, is one of only two Sumatran
orangutan reintroduction centres in the world. Sumatran
orangutan populations are now considered Critically
Endangered, and currently number less than 7% of what
existed in 1900. With approximately only 6,300 left in the
wild and hundreds being killed every year, it is imperative
that viable released populations are built up outside of
the troubled Aceh province. TOP provides vital funds to
assist with the running costs of this release site.
TRIPA SWAMP PROTECTION:
North Sumatra, Indonesia
Tripa, North Sumatra, is home to one of only six remaining
populations of the Critically Endangered Sumatran
orangutan and also has amongst the highest densities of
orangutans anywhere in the world. Palm oil companies
are destroying the forest here, and the total destruction
of the remaining forest is predicted within less than five
years if appropriate action is not implemented quickly.
TOP is supporting the work involved with the conservation
of Tripa.
WILDLIFE PROTECTION UNITS (WPU):
Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia
The WPUs, entirely funded by TOP, are responsible for
patrolling the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem. They help secure
the released Sumatran orangutan population, which was
established after extinction of the species in the 1830’s.
WPUs also secure Sumatran tiger, elephant populations
and all other wildlife that share the ecosystem, preventing
illegal logging and wildlife crime. To date, the WPUs have
been highly successful in deterring illegal activities within
the ecosystem.
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM
Brianna Power
Marketing, Media & Partnerships Manager
Mobile:
0403 904 912
Phone:
(02) 8034 2550
Email:
brianna.power@orangutan.org.au
Write to:
PO Box 1414, South Perth, WA 6951
To find out more about TOP, visit our website.
www.orangutan.org.au
Phone:
1300 RED APE
Write to:
PO Box 1414,
South Perth,
WA 6951,
Australia
COMPASSION PROTECTION FREEDOM