An Introduction to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a 43-square-kilometre area of protected open-air forest located in the Sandakan district of Sabah, Malaysia. Established in 1964, SORC is home to more than 60 orangutans and is the largest and oldest orangutan sanctuary in the world. The centre is managed by the Sabah Wildlife Department and has a dedicated team of veterinarians, researchers, and animal care specialists who work to ensure the health and wellbeing of the orangutans.
The primary mission of the centre is to rehabilitate orphaned and displaced orangutans and prepare them for release back into the wild. The orangutans are provided with a safe and protected environment in which to learn the skills they need to survive in the wild. The centre also works to educate visitors about the plight of orangutans in the wild and to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the Bornean rainforest.
What to Expect at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sabah and an absolute must-see for any animal lover. The centre is open to visitors between 9 am and 3 pm, with two feeding times – 10 am and 3 pm – when the orangutans are fed and can be seen in the surrounding trees.
Visitors to the centre can take part in a guided educational tour which includes a visit to the nursery to observe the orphaned baby orangutans, a walk through the rainforest to see the rehabilitated orangutans, and a visit to the viewing platform to watch the orangutans being fed. Many visitors also opt to stay at the centre overnight in one of the luxury lodges.
The centre also provides a range of educational activities such as workshops, lectures, and film screenings, designed to raise awareness about the plight of orangutans in the wild and the importance of sustainable forest management.
What Makes Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Unique
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is one of the most unique attractions in Sabah and offers visitors the chance to observe the world’s largest arboreal mammal in its natural habitat. The centre is home to more than 60 orangutans and provides a safe and protected environment in which the animals can learn the skills they need to survive in the wild.
The centre works to educate visitors about the plight of orangutans in the wild and to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the Bornean rainforest. Visitors to the centre can take part in a guided educational tour and can observe the orphaned baby orangutans, rehabilitated orangutans, and the orangutans being fed.
Conclusion
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Malaysia, is a pioneering sanctuary for orangutans, serving as the largest and oldest facility of its kind globally. Managed by the Sabah Wildlife Department, it provides a haven for orphaned and displaced orangutans, preparing them for release into the wild. Visitors can witness these remarkable creatures up close during guided tours, gaining insights into the rehabilitation process and the threats facing orangutans. Through educational activities, the centre raises awareness about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving the rainforest habitat. A visit to Sepilok offers both a memorable encounter with orangutans and an opportunity to contribute to their long-term survival.