Sepiloks Orangutans Malaysia, East Malaysia (Sabah)

Rehabilitating injured, orphaned, or captive Orangutans can take years and years, but the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre has the tools and patience necessary to save these animals. The Orangutans here are paired with a buddy Orangutan, to help mimic the mother-baby relationship that usually exists in the wild. Older Orangutans show the younger ones “the ropes,” so to speak. This Centre specializes in getting the Orangutans back to a place where they could be successful in the wild. For instance, during rehabilitation, the Orangutans are provided a very boring menu of food options to encourage them to begin foraging for themselves.

When you’re visiting the Orangutans, holding or touching them is not permitted as it would not be good for their development and success back in the wild. Once an Orangutan is rehabilitated, they are released into the wild to live on their own. Sometimes they return to the Centre for a free meal, but more often than not, these intelligent creatures live out the rest of their days as they were meant to – free from human intervention.

Not far from the Rehabilitation Centre is the Rainforest Discovery Center, which allows visitors to intimately experience the nature around them. There are many activities here, including a canopy walk among the trees. Look out for the Red Giant Flying Squirrel if you visit at dusk. Sighting one of these furry friends is very coveted at the Rainforest Discovery Center!