Simon at Sepilok

Turned out to be a H-U-G-E party last night.

Not only was it for welcoming the new volunteers but it was also the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, so all of the friends and family and neighbours of the staff were here too.



Mr Chong (who owns the resthouse) organised two dragons and drummers to perform traditional dances all around and inside the house.


Later on Nick had a go at the drumming and I was encouraged to perform my own version of the dance with one of the dragon heads on.

The young kids seem to think our effors were hilarious for some reason.....!!

It was also a farewell party for Melvyn, one of the Sepilok staff, who was being transferred to work at the zoo in KK after 21 years working with the Orangutans here at Sepilok. Melvyn likes a whisky is all i can say!

Last but not least, as the clock struck midnight it was also the start of fellow volunteer Ruth's birthday. A cake was duly presented and shared.

PS Happy to report that the karaoke was mostly left to the Malay experts - they all seem to have incredible singing voices (i think they get a lot of practise!)