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Orangutan Rescue

Projects

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.

Rescue and reintroduction work is a necessary response to the increasing threats faced by wild orangutans, including habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict and illegal activity. Orangutans that are injured, displaced or orphaned cannot survive without intervention and require specialist care before any consideration of reintroduction is possible.

At Sepilok, Orangutan Appeal UK supports rescue and reintroduction efforts by funding and resourcing specialist care, rehabilitation and assessment. This work helps ensure that rescued orangutans receive appropriate treatment and training, and that reintroduction is only considered when it is safe and suitable for the individual.

Rescue

Rescue operations are carried out when orangutans require urgent intervention, often as a result of habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict or illegal activity.

Orangutan Appeal UK employs and supports teams who are involved in responding to rescue situations across Sabah. This work can involve travelling long distances and locating orangutans in difficult terrain. It may take days to locate an orangutan in need of help. Our teams are trained to assess when intervention is necessary, with welfare as the priority.

Orangutan Rescue Sandakan
Orangutan Appeal UK rescue truck

Reintroduction

Reintroduction may be considered for orangutans that demonstrate the skills needed to survive independently in the wild. Decisions are made on an individual basis and prioritise long-term welfare and suitability of the release site.

Reintroduction sites are selected based on factors such as habitat suitability, food availability and connectivity. Sites are located within protected forest reserves to reduce the risk of habitat loss and poaching.

Truck in rescue of orangutan

Orangutan Appeal UK has supported reintroduction work in a number of ways over the years, particularly where access to suitable forest areas is challenging. Some sites are not accessible by road. In 2001, we supported the very first helicopter translocation of an orangutan in Borneo. We have continued to fund reintroductions by helicopter where no other transport options are available.

In 2006, we constructed a research camp within Tabin Wildlife Reserve to support post-reintroduction monitoring. It was here we carried out our pioneering Post-Release Monitoring Project, reintroducing selected orangutans from Sepilok and tracking their behaviour over time. This work helped evaluate rehabilitation outcomes and improve understanding of how orangutans adapt following reintroduction.

Many orangutans that progress through the rehabilitation programme at Sepilok are reintroduced into the Sepilok-Kabili forest reserve, with additional release sites used in Tabin Reserve and Danum Valley.

Over 700 orphaned, displaced or injured orangutans have been reintroduced following treatment or rehabilitation at Sepilok.

Explore more articles

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.