BoS Foundation
Die BOS Foundation — Im Einsatz für die Orang-Utans & den Regenwald
The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) has committed itself to protecting the last orangutans and their habitat in partnership with the Indonesian people. The Indonesian foundation was established in 1991 by forestry scientist Dr Willie Smits, teacher Peter Karsono and other dedicated supporters.

What is the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation?
The BOS Foundation supports the protection of the Bornean orangutan in Indonesia through orangutan rehabilitation and repatriation projects, sanctuary maintenance, ecosystem conservation, community development, research, fundraising, public relations and education. These activities extend across two provinces in Borneo: Central and East Kalimantan, where two orangutan rehabilitation centres, three repatriation areas, two reforestation zones and extensive community development projects are located.
With its two rescue and rehabilitation centres for orangutan orphans and its repatriation activities, the BOS Foundation runs the world’s largest primate conservation project.
BOSF pursues a holistic approach in its work that also involves the local authorities and communities, as the long-term survival of the orangutan can only be ensured by working hand in hand.
The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation is part of an international network of partner organisations. The international partner organisations carry out fundraising and educational work in their respective countries and thus secure BOSF’s operations on the ground through regular donations.



What does the BOS Foundation advocate and stand for?
- Rescue, rehabilitation and repatriation of orangutans in Borneo.
- Protection of rainforest areas as habitats for orangutans and many other animal and plant species
- Reforestation and land reclamation activities, water management and fire protection
- Public relations, environmental education, awareness training
- Involvement of the local population and creation of alternative income opportunities (community development)
- Monitoring rainforest areas as protection against poaching and illegal logging.

The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has been actively repatriating animals since 2012. This is taking place in the protected rainforest area of Bukit Batikap, in the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park in Central Kalimantan, and in the repatriation forest of Kehje Sewen in East Kalimantan. Between 2012 and 2023, over 485 orangutans were released in these areas.
However, a lot of work still needs to be done. Large areas of rainforest still need to be secured in order to give freedom to the hundreds of Bornean orangutans currently awaiting their release in the rehabilitation centres.
Make a donation for the orangutans
Make a one-time donation
Orangutans need our help! With your donation for the orangutans you accompany and support an orangutan on its journey until its release into the wild.

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Donations are a matter of trust
Transparent use of funds is a matter of course for us. In September 2013, we joined the a non profit initiative of Transparency International Germany and signed its declaration of commitment.