Skip to main content

News

Orangutan Caring Week 2024

An annual event aimed at raising awareness of the plight of the orangutan and the action people can take to protect them.

This year we're celebrating Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and its vital role in the preservation of the critically endangered orangutan.

Since it was established in 1964, nearly 1,000 orangutans have been cared for by the team at Sepilok making it integral to the ongoing preservation of remaining wild populations.

Young male Bornean orangutan

For orphaned orangutans the journey to independence is a lengthy one. Rehabilitation can take around 8 years, the same amount of time that they would depend on their mothers in the wild.

Two photos of a female orangutan when she was rescued in 2012 and when she was released in 2020 after completing her rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation programme is designed to increase the orangutans' chances of survival in the wild. They could eventually be released into the protected Sepilok-Kabili Reserve which spans 43 square kilometres.

Sepilok Kabili Reserve

Sepilok plays an important part in education and raising awareness about the plight of the critically endangered orangutan. Visitors from all around the world safely observe the orangutans there whilst learning about the work undertaken towards their conservation.

A large window looking out to orangutans at Sepilok

Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve has over 450 species of tree, 90 species of mammal and 220 bird species as well as many reptiles, amphibians and insects! Orangutans play a vital role in the reserve’s ecosystem, supporting the survival of numerous other species.

Slow loris climbing up a tree after its release

Sepilok is dedicated to caring for orangutans, however, their doors are also open to helping other species in need like pangolins, slow loris, elephants, clouded leopards and flying foxes to name just a few.

Two Bornean Pygmy elephants at Sepilok

Our thanks go all of the incredible members of staff at Sepilok. This dedicated group of 36 individuals includes Orangutan Appeal UK's 12 rangers and care staff, 18 staff employed by Sabah Wildlife Department and 6 rangers from the Wildlife Rescue Unit.

We are equally as grateful to our supporters, whose generosity continues to help fund our incredible team. Thank you!

  • A group 19 members of staff sanding for a photo at Sepilok

Get involved

There are lots of ways you can help support orangutan conservation including adopting an orangutan, hosting a fundraising event, making a donation, and helping to spread awareness about the plight of the orangutan.

Together we are making a difference. Thank you!

Explore more articles