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Ellie LO stand

Projects

Liaison Officer

Educating visitors about orangutan conservation and raising awareness for their plight.

The Liaison Officer project is one of Orangutan Appeal UK’s most vital public-facing initiatives. Based at the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo, our voluntary Liaison Officers act as the bridge between our conservation work and the thousands of international visitors who walk through the centre's gates each year.

  • LO Cart at entrance Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation centre. Writing on the cart reads 'adopt an orangutan from RM250 | £40' 'Lasts for one year' 'The perfect gift for them.'

Educating for a future

The primary mission of the Liaison Officer is to transform a tourist visit into an educational experience. By providing daily presentations and engaging directly with visitors, they highlight the heart-breaking circumstances that bring orangutans to Sepilok and explain the long, dedicated road to rehabilitation.

  • Raising awareness: Sharing the "why" behind our work - from habitat loss to the illegal wildlife trade.
  • Generating support: Helping visitors understand how their support directly funds our 14 care staff and rangers on the ground.
  • The adoption scheme: Encouraging people to adopt an orangutan; allowing visitors to build a personal connection with an orphaned orangutan and support their journey back to the wild.

A critical presence in Borneo

Beyond education, the Liaison Officer is a constant advocate for the critically endangered Bornean orangutan. They ensure that every visitor leaves Sepilok not just with a photograph, but with a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting wildlife and the rainforests they inhabit.

Become our next representative

Are you a UK resident interested in this unique 3-month placement?  View our current vacancies and application details on our Volunteer & Career Opportunities page.

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

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    We employ 14 dedicated care staff and rangers at Sepilok.