The plight of endangered orangutans in Borneo worried Louise Beard so much that she went there to help them herself.
The 29-year-old left her home in Freshbrook and spent three months among the primates.
Louise, a freelance veterinary nurse, said: "It was so rewarding to stay there and know that I was making a difference.
"In the great scheme of things it's only a small amount of help, but then every little does help."
Louise, who returned home earlier this month, added: "The whole species is threatened, and while we can't reverse the deforestation, we can relocate the orangutans."
The orangutan is one of our closest cousins, sharing 96 per cent of human genes.
Their habitat, in the treetops of the Malaysian and Indonesian rainforests, is dwindling rapidly.
An estimated 15,000 exist in the wild and wildlife experts say that if deforestation continues, they could be extinct in the wild within 10 years.
Louise, whose trip was organised by Sepilok Orangutan Appeal UK, raised £2,000 to finance her stay.
"It took about six months to get the money together through cake sales, car boot sales and raffles, but the hard work was worth it," she said.
"During my last couple of weeks there we relocated an adult male to the Tabin reserve, which is twice the size of the country of Singapore.
"It's quite an involved process. The males are so big and strong they need to be sedated to make the 40-minute helicopter journey.
"The reserve is a wonderful place. The animals are territorial so the area needs to be big enough to cater for them. It is virgin rainforest which is ideal for their diet."
Fruit, leaves and bark are the creatures' staple food.
Fully grown, they stand 5ft tall and weigh up to 200 pounds. They can live for up to 40 years.
Louise is now hoping to share her experiences with fellow Swindonians.
She said: "I'm very interested in holding talks in schools or clubs to explain more about the Sepilok Appeal.
"Anyone can become involved in fundraising events, which will ultimately save more orangutan lives."
For information call Louise on (07970) 970774 or email info@orangutan-appeal.org
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