Skip to main content

News

International Orangutan Day 2024

We’re celebrating Clementine whose legacy has shaped four generations of orangutans at Sepilok.

19/08/2024

You can help

Watch and share this video with your friends and family on social media platforms, or read on for Clementine's story.

1984

Clementine

Having been rescued and then successfully completing the rehabilitation programme, Clementine was released into the Kabili-Sepilok reserve. She thrived in her forest home and went on to have a wild-born daughter, who was named Clenan.

Clenan in foliage

1996

Clenan

Clenan grew up and also made an independent life for herself in the forest. In 2017, she gave birth to her own daughter. She was named Awantang, which can mean beautiful or handsome.

Clenan and Awantang

2013

Awantang

Clenan was a superb mother, teaching Awantang to climb, forage, nest, and play, all while protecting and encouraging her. When Awantang eventually left her mother, it marked the success of another generation.

Awantang on rope

2024

Awantang's baby

Now, 40 years after Clementine’s rescue, she has become a great-grandmother. Awantang has had her own baby, marking the fourth generation of these remarkable female orangutans.

What a powerful testament to the success of Sepilok’s rehabilitation programme!

Awantang and baby on feeding platform

It’s thanks to our supporters and generous donors that we’re able to help many more orangutans like Clementine, who will hopefully continue to grow the wild population.

This International Orangutan Day, you can be part of this incredible story by donating, adopting or sharing our mission with your friends and family.

Find out more about our work and why orangutans need our help.

Explore more articles