Located in the Tanjung Puting Reserve in Central Borneo (Kalimantan Tengah), Camp Leakey was established in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Galdikas. It was named after the legendary anthropologist, Louis Leakey, who was both mentor and an inspiration to Dr. Galdikas as well as Drs. Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. Originally consisting of just two huts, Camp Leakey is now an assemblage of permanent wooden structures designed to provide a base for scientists, staff, students, and PHPA guards.

Over the years, Camp Leakey has supported the research efforts of dozens of scientists and students including graduate students from Indonesia (Univeristas Nasional & Universitas Gajamada) and North America. Many have gone on to receive their Ph.D. Projects have ranged from orangutan, proboscis monkey, gibbon and leaf-eating monkey behavior and ecology, to studies of orangutan sign language abilities and cognition, to leech behavior, and riverine ecology.

Overhead view of Camp Leakey jetty

Overhead view of Camp Leakey's buildings

A 200 meter boardwalk made of ironwood was constructed by the provincial government in the 1970's to bypass the seasonal swamps that can isolate the high ground at Camp Leakey from the river. Used by orangutans as well as people, the boardwalk may be the first place you will meet one of Camp Leakey's "bicultural" great ape residents. These orangutans are the last of the excaptive orangutans released into the nearby forest during the 1970's and early 1980's. Now, orangutan rehabilitation is conducted in other areas in the Park, but the Camp Leakey residents, mostly females and their offspring, spend their time both in the forest and in Camp. They provide visitors a chance to view free-ranging orangutans close-up.

An adult male orangutan at Camp Leakey.

While still an active research facility, Camp Leakey welcomes day visitors who are part of guided or self-guided tours. Visitors are not allowed to overnight at Camp Leakey. Dr. Galdikas and ORCP staff ask that you come with the appropriate permits, check-in with the forest service officials, observe the orangutans from a safe distance, and do not disturb the scientists conducting research.