Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Animal sanctuary in Sandakan Division, Malaysia
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre sits within a large forest reserve filled with rainforest vegetation and wetland areas. The facility has feeding platforms and viewing areas where visitors watch the animals during daily sessions and see how the center operates.
The center started in 1964 as Malaysia's first rescue program for orangutans orphaned by logging and poaching. Over the decades, it grew into one of the region's major protection efforts for the species.
Local guides share stories about how orphaned orangutans arrive here and gradually learn to survive on their own in the forest. Visitors witness firsthand the daily work of caring for animals that cannot return to the wild immediately.
Visitors can watch feeding sessions twice daily from designated viewing platforms positioned for good viewing without disturbing the animals. Following the instructions of staff and staying on marked paths ensures a safe and respectful experience for everyone.
The center cultivates rare palm species found in the region that are later used for reforestation projects across Borneo. This work supports the entire forest ecosystem recovery, not just the orangutans living there.
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