Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Sabah Wildlife Department | Sepilok, Sabah
Operated by the Sabah Wildlife Department, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned and injured orangutans back into the wild. Through a careful, long-term process, individuals are guided to regain the skills needed for independent survival, while public education programmes help foster deeper understanding of orangutan conservation.
Impact Highlights
- Rehabilitation and release of orphaned and displaced orangutans into protected forest habitats.
- Long-term care including veterinary treatment, nutrition, and behavioural enrichment.
- Protection and maintenance of surrounding rainforest habitat within the Sepilok reserve.
- Public education initiatives raising awareness on orangutan conservation and responsible tourism.
Our Collaboration
Through this partnership, travellers directly support orangutan rehabilitation through entrance and conservation fees, which contribute to food, veterinary care, habitat maintenance, and ongoing care programmes. Responsible visits also help raise awareness of the challenges facing orangutans in the wild.
Why It Matters
Rehabilitation is a long and complex process that can take years, requiring patience, expertise, and minimal human interference. The goal is not captivity, but successful release into the wild. By visiting responsibly and respecting wildlife guidelines, travellers play a vital role in supporting both individual animal recovery and long-term conservation outcomes.