Our Founder receives Datukship from the Malaysian Government

Orangutan Appeal UK's Founder and Chairwoman Susan Sheward MBE has received an honorary title from the Malaysian government in recognition of her work to protect endangered wildlife. The title was bestowed by Sabah head of state Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at a special ceremony held at the Sabah State Palace, hosted by the Malaysian State of Sabah, Borneo. Susan received the ‘Title of Datuk’ in recognition of her work to conserve critically endangered orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants and the wildlife of Sabah. She was the only non Malaysian to receive the title at the event.

(Image: Susan being presented with her Datukship).

Susan said: “I am honoured to be bestowed with a Datukship in recognition for the work that both myself and my colleagues at the Orangutan Appeal UK have been involved in over the last two decades. At the same time, we couldn’t have done this without the support of those who donate to the OAUK and those who are part of our adoption programme. This has been essential in continuing to protect Sabah’s critically endangered wildlife, including the iconic orangutan and the Bornean pygmy elephant.”

Image: Datuk Susan pictured with Dr Sen Nathan, Assistant Director of Sabah Wildlife Department.