8 December 2015. Matang WildLife Centre

Matang is almost impossible to reach by public transport and so I negotiated a trip there with a taxi. Arriving at the centre, they give you a map with the ticket and I was advised I'd need about 45 minutes. I took at least double that and still wasn't sure I'd had my fill.

A notice at the entrance makes clear what the centre is all about.

The circuit of the centre starts with the crocodiles who all seemed to be sitting very still. Their long pointed jaws and teeth are something to ponder upon.

Next came some turtles, a monitor lizard and an Adjutant Stork before I arrived at the Clouded leopard. Despite being asleep and with its back to me, it looked a beautiful animal and one that is critically endangered.

Then there were the Binturong (Bear cats), lolling around............

...............followed by the porcupines

Finally, and with excitement, I arrived at the orangutan area. Opposite them are gibbons and other monkeys

With the orangutans themselves, the first impression is not great because the first cage contains a huge and rather lonesome male - Peter. Alone, apparently for his own good because he had a quarrel with another male; and they are, of course, better off here than before their rescue.

Anyway, one then gets to a much more optimistic enclosure with lots of females and young ones.....

...... - as well as the male Aman next door.

Finally, I came to the bears - but they were keeping their distance.