We are sad to announce that Hilary, our former animal keeper at Matang Wildlife Centre, died on the 30th January 2011 at the age of 38 years. He was reported to have died of acute lung infection. It was a sudden death and a shock to his family and friends. He leaves his wife Christine, and 3 children aged 4, 9 and 11 years. His wife and children is our first concern. Leo Biddle and Natasha Beckerson at Matang Wildlife Centre, are with the family. They will be taking Hilary’s body back to the village. Hilary’s funeral will be on 2nd Wednesday, January 2011. On 3rd Thursday, February 2011, Leo will post an update on the funeral, a tribute to Hilary and our plans to help Christine and the children in the immediate and long term future.

Hilary’s vast experience and immense passion for orangutan welfare made him an ideal candidate for working in orangutan conservation and was therefore taken on by the Great Orangutan Project in late 2007. Since joining the Great Orangutan Project, Hilary has been instrumental in the rehabilitation of young orangutans and release of orangutans at Matang Wildlife Centre. He has also helped train our orangutans by mimicking their behaviour in the wild and getting them to imitate him, for example by building nests in forests for orangutan to sleep in and by climbing the highest trees to forage for food. Hilary is an example to his community that working to protect orangutans is a positive and rewarding endeavor. Many volunteers would have been left amazed by this man. We invite you to remember Hilary and share your stories, pictures and videos about him.

You can also donate to a memorial fund. 100% of your donation will go to his family. Please make your donations to the Red Endangered Animal Connection Trust (REACT).

DONATE here!

Please note: If you are a UK tax payer, REACT can claim gift aid. REACT has committed to pledging all gift aid money to Hilary’s family. That’s an extra 28% of your donation helping the family.

Visit Facebook - Remembering Hilary Group - where volunteers express their love for the man that dedicated his life to helping orangutans.