Orangutan Rehabilition Mission

The Orang-Utan is one of the most endangered species on the planet. Found only in Borneo and Sumatra, the Orang-Utans’ survival is constantly threatened by forest fires, felling of trees, palm oil production, poaching and illegal hunting. They are losing their habitat mainly due to human ignorance.

I am volunteering for eight weeks in summer 2016 at an orangutan sanctuary in Borneo; one of only four orangutan sanctuaries in the world, in order to personally help make a difference in their lives. 

In brief, the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, where I will be based, rescues abandoned, injured or orphaned Orang-Utans, as well as liberating animals from captivity. Once it has rescued an animal, it treats its injuries and nurses it back to full fitness and health. Often the animals, particularly any orphaned babies, have to be taught how to fend for themselves and survive in the Wild. Once it’s been taught how to climb and forage for food, it is released back into the wild. 

Rehabilitation is a long and expensive process, taking up to seven years but one that centres such as Sepilok take on without question. The Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre could not function without the help of volunteers. Without centres like this, the already endangered orangutan may quickly become extinct.