Inspiring next generation of wildlife vets

Orangutan Appeal UK recently delivered a talk at the Online Conservation Forum titled “Wildlife Vet: A Critically Endangered Job in Malaysia”, hosted and organised by Elisa Panjang of the Malaysian NGO Pangolin Aware. The forum attracted veterinary students, practising vets, university lecturers, and members of the public interested in wildlife.

Adrienne’s presentation highlighted the work of Orangutan Appeal UK and the team in Sabah, including how they support the rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction of critically endangered orangutans. She explained why protecting wildlife is essential and how a wildlife vet role combines medical expertise with conservation work.

A key part of the session was a video showing a real orangutan rescue and translocation, demonstrating the vital role vets and their teams play in ensuring the animals’ health and safe release. After the presentation, Adrienne answered questions from participants, providing insight into what it takes to work in conservation in Malaysia.

The forum also featured Dr Nabila, Wildlife Veterinarian for the Sabah Wildlife Department and Head Vet at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and Dr Wan Nor Fitri Wan Jaafar, senior wildlife lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Pahang. Together, the speakers shared practical advice and experiences, inspiring students and young professionals to consider conservation veterinary careers.

Feedback from participants highlighted strong enthusiasm for wildlife veterinary work, alongside recognition of the challenges, including limited local training pathways. The forum provided a rare opportunity for discussion, learning and networking, showing Malaysian students how wildlife vets make a direct and lasting impact on endangered species.