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A small infant orangutan climbing on the ropes at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

About

Orangutan Appeal UK

Our Mission

To conserve the critically endangered orangutan and their habitat through rescue, rehabilitation and education.

About us

Who we are

Orangutan Appeal UK is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of critically endangered orangutans and their rainforest habitat. We work closely with respected partners in Borneo to provide vital support for orangutans from rescue, rehabilitation to release, as well as to safeguard their forest home.

Founded in 2000 as a one-person operation, it now consists of three trustees, four UK staff and 14 staff members based at the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

With threats such as deforestation, climate change, illegal hunting and habit loss, Orangutan Appeal UK is committed to giving orangutans a fighting chance for survival. Through rescue operations, rehabilitation efforts and education initiatives, we aim to create a lasting impact on both local communities and ecosystems.

With over 16,000 supporters located across the world, we are able to communicate our passion and expertise to a global audience to inspire a collective movement for the conservation and welfare of this critically endangered species.

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  • Team photo of Alvin, Bonny, Ibri, Lineker, Arnold Victor, Jergen, Rico, Sylvester, Reklin and Pamik standing in a line with arms crossed and smiling
  • A Sepilok team member standing on top of a transport enclosure with a wild orangutan inside as he pull open the door to rerelease the orangutan into the rainforest.
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  • Arnold Ibri 04 2019 3
  • Infant orangutan drinking milk out of a bottle.
  • Page 3 Wru Pledge And Presentation The New Wru Rescue Vehicles
  • Alagu the orangutan high up in a tree.
  • Vet with orangutan and stethoscope
  • Orangutan vet using clinic equipment
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  • Education Outreach SK Nunuyan Laut School
  • Education Outreach Programme
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Our work in Borneo

We support the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary for orphaned and injured orangutans located in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Owned and operated by the Sabah Wildlife Department, Sepilok is a critical haven for orangutans in need. While we don't manage Sepilok directly, we have a strong presence there, funding critical resources and employing 14 dedicated staff, as well a Liaison Officer. Together, we work alongside the centre's team to provide essential care for the orangutans, guide them through rehabilitation, and help them return to the wild.

Beyond the centre, we support various conservation projects in Borneo to protect the species in their native forest homes. By preserving natural habitats, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting reforestation, we aim to tackle habitat loss and ensure that wild orangutan populations can thrive.

Aorphaned female Bornean orangutan with its carer at Sepilok

Education is at the heart of our mission. We believe that by raising awareness and providing conservation-focused resources, we can inspire everyone to take part in protecting orangutans and their environment. We work with schools, local communities and supporters across the world to provide resources and share the critical importance of preserving these forests and the species that inhabit them.

Whether it’s through our educational programmes or community outreach initiatives, we are committed to empowering communities with knowledge and sustainable solutions that benefit people and wildlife alike. Our supporters, ranging from volunteers to corporate partners, play a vital role in sustaining our work, allowing us to continue our mission of protecting the critically endangered orangutan.

Educating children in Sabah about orangutans

Timeline

Our story

The charity was founded by Susan Sheward MBE, who became increasingly aware of the acute challenges faced by orangutans in Borneo during her visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in 1999.

Initially as a tourist, and then having shown great interest, she was allowed further access and given the opportunity to view the operations of the centre up close.

Her growing involvement and access to information about their work revealed the demanding circumstances faced by the orangutans and the staff caring for them. Witnessing these conditions, Sue was determined to take action and make a positive difference.

Susan at Sepilok wearing a mask and gloves whilst helping a infant orangutan on a rope.

Susan got straight to work on her return from Borneo raising money from raffles, jumble sales and a charity racing car track day. She tirelessly dug at the pockets of countless people, and thanks to their generosity, managed to raise enough money to fund the first project - a new nursery!

After delicate negotiations with the Malaysian Government, the project was approved. We are proud to have been the first Non-Government Organisation (NGO) accepted by the Sabah government.

With the new nursery successfully completed, and interest in Orangutan Appeal UK growing, plans were started for the next project and the journey began...

Our projects View full list

  • Orangutan Rescue

    Projects in the field

    Rescue & reintroduction

    We aid the rescue and reintroduction of orphaned, displaced and injured orangutans, as well as those who are victims of the illegal wildlife trade.

  • Orangutan hand and foot gripping rope at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

    Projects in the field

    Orangutan rehabilitation

    Rescued orangutans at Sepilok undergo a five-step rehabilitation programme to increase their chances of returning to the wild.

  • Veterinarian listening to infant orangutans heartbeat

    Projects in the field

    Veterinary care & support

    The clinic at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre provides 24-hour care to injured and sick orangutans.

  • Our Staff and Rangers

    Projects in the field

    Care staff

    We employ 14 dedicated care staff and rangers at Sepilok, responsible for the daily care and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured orangutans.

  • Education Photo

    Projects in the field

    Education & outreach

    We're dedicated to raising awareness and fostering support for orangutans through education.

  • Regrow Borneo Header 2

    Projects in the field

    Habitat conservation

    Much of Borneo's rainforest has been lost which threatens the survival of the Bornean orangutan.

You can help

Get involved

The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our donors, volunteers and partners. There are many ways to get involved with Orangutan Appeal UK, from adopting an orangutan to holding a fundraising event or sharing what you know about orangutans with friends and family. Your support allows us to provide orangutans with the care they need and protect their rainforest home.