Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre is a famous tourist attraction located in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. This centre is a haven for the endangered orangutan species and has been instrumental in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing orphaned and injured orangutans into the wild. The centre was established in 1964, and since then, it has been a prime location for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservationists.
The Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre is situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, which covers an area of about 4,300 hectares. This forest reserve is a protected area, and it provides a natural habitat for many endangered and endemic flora and fauna species. The forest reserve is home to approximately 80 to 90 orangutans, and it is the only place in the world where visitors can witness orangutans in their natural habitat.
The primary objective of the Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre is to rehabilitate and release orangutans that have been orphaned or injured due to deforestation, hunting, or illegal pet trade. The centre provides a safe environment for the orangutans to learn and develop the necessary skills to survive in the wild. The orangutans are fed twice a day at a feeding platform, and visitors can witness this feeding spectacle from a designated viewing area.
Apart from orangutans, the Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre is also home to other wildlife species such as gibbons, macaques, and various bird species. Visitors can take a guided tour of the centre to learn more about the wildlife, the rehabilitation process, and the conservation efforts being made by the centre.
The centre has a well-maintained boardwalk that winds through the forest, leading visitors to the feeding platform and the observation deck. Along the way, visitors can see different types of flora and fauna, including towering trees, exotic plants, and various bird species. The boardwalk also provides an opportunity for visitors to witness the orangutans swinging through the trees, socializing with each other, and learning how to survive in the wild.
The Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre has a visitors' centre that provides visitors with educational information about orangutans, their habitat, and the conservation efforts being made to protect them. The visitors' centre has a library, a souvenir shop, and a café that serves food and drinks. Visitors can also watch informative documentaries and presentations on orangutans and their habitat.
The centre has a dedicated team of professionals, including veterinarians, biologists, and caretakers, who work tirelessly to ensure the welfare of the orangutans. The centre has also established partnerships with local communities, NGOs, and government agencies to raise awareness about the importance of orangutan conservation and to promote sustainable tourism practices.
Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservationists. The centre provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness orangutans in their natural habitat, learn about their rehabilitation process, and understand the importance of conservation efforts being made to protect these magnificent creatures. By visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Wildlife Centre, visitors can contribute to the conservation efforts being made by the centre and make a positive impact on the environment.
See our latest Borneo offer which includes a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Centre click here
