How Sepilok Helps Orangutans Thrive

Endemic to Borneo and Sumatra, the furry and characterful orangutan has captured imaginations for millennia – visitors flock from far and wide to witness our orange cousins up close: observing them as they play, interact and go about their daily lives.

Established in 1964, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was the first centre in the world to dedicate itself to the rehabilitation of orangutans. Due to widespread deforestation driven by palm oil extraction, logging, and hunting, their populations have dramatically declined in recent decades – in the 1970s, Borneo was home to over 230,000 orangutans. Today, fewer than 104,700 remain.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is included in around 99% of our itineraries for good reason! Of course, we mainly advocate only observing wildlife in their natural, uninterrupted habitat. But in this case, your visit to Sepilok provides financial support to the continuing efforts of the team to save and protect vulnerable orangutans throughout Borneo. The visit to the centre is certainly worthwhile, where you get to observe adult and young orangutan behaviour in close proximity.

Whilst spotting orangutan in the wild is always the most special, having the chance to observe closely and safely as they learn and practice their skills should be a very memorable part of your experience. You can learn about the conservation programmes from the efforts and find out what’s really being done to protect our fragile cousins throughout Sabah. Remember, Sepilok is considered ‘semi-wild’, so although it is highly likely you will observe some adults during the scheduled feedings, they visit at free will and only stay and play as long as they want to. We recommend visiting for the morning and afternoon sessions to enjoy the most variety and opportunity.

Orangutan Appeal UK (the charity arm of the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre) engages in a range of initiatives with the focused goal of protecting Borneo’s wildlife and ecology: be it orangutan rehabilitation, restoring flattened forests, rescuing wildlife from human conflict, and promoting sustainability initiatives in schools and communities.

In 2012, we adopted our first orangutan: Beryl! We watched her transform from a timorous infant into a bold and confident character. After she ‘successfully’ graduated in 2020, we adopted Canyon – after having formerly been kept illegally as a pet, she was rescued by the sanctuary and has made herself at home. Currently, we support Agop – a baby orangutan found lost and emaciated, whose recovery and revitalisation have been a joy to behold. If you want to find out more about her story, read our related feature!

When you book a holiday to Borneo in September, we’ll include a complimentary one-year adoption – you’ll receive an adoption pack in advance of your trip, making you and your family even more excited about visiting Borneo!

Learn more about how Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is contributing to the elevation of Borneo’s orangutans and its sacred forests via our Be There programme. To visit Borneo and witness its wonderful wildlife, click here or contact us directly to curate your own experience – enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk / +44 117 313 7070!