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New Rescue Vehicle for Sepilok

Thanks to the help and generosity of our supporters and The Turney Charitable (Animal Welfare) Trust we have been able to buy a brand new rescue vehicle.

20/05/2016

New rescue vehicles

In the field of wildlife rescue, having a reliable vehicle that won’t leave you stranded deep in the rainforest is essential. Fifteen years ago the Appeal purchased a Land Rover Defender for Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) for their essential rescue work. It has been used extensively and has saved countless numbers of not only orangutans but also other wildlife such as sun bears, snakes and even crocodiles! After so many years of active service Sepilok had little choice but to retire the vehicle as it was becoming unreliable and needed to be replaced. It was time for Orangutan Appeal UK to offer their help in providing a replacement to ensure that this vital work continued.

The new rescue vehicle for orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Thanks to the help and generosity of our supporters and The Turney Charitable (Animal Welfare) Trust we have been able to buy a brand new Toyota Hilux for them. Our Founder, Sue Sheward MBE, presented the vehicle to the Director of Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) Mr William Baya at a special ceremony in Sepilok last month, which was officiated by the Assistant Minister for Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Pang Yuk Ming. Also present were the Major of Sandakan, Datuk James Wong and a representative from the Sabah Forestry Department, Fadzil Yahya along with Dr Sen Nathan, Assistant Director of SWD and many prominent local people.

The new rescue vehicle for orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Datuk Pang applauded the work of the Appeal:

"We greatly appreciate your gift of the beautiful new rescue vehicle which will enable Sepilok to continue their vital rescue work for all species of Sabah wildlife. Thank you Sue and Orangutan Appeal UK for your loyal support on the conservation work that we do here in Sabah"

As the orangutans and the wildlife they share their rainforest home are losing their vital habitat, having a dedicated care team is crucial for their survival. Orangutan Appeal UK will remain committed to supporting SORC in this mission and send a heartfelt thank you to all of our supporters worldwide who have made this possible.

Datuk Pang – Assistant Minister of Tourism and Culture speaking at the presentation ceremony

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