Projects
Veterinary care & support
The clinic at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre provides 24-hour care to injured and sick orangutans.
Wildlife veterinarian
Over the years, we have funded a number of UK vets to support the team at Sepilok. Most recently, we employed Dr Yohind, an experienced Malaysian wildlife veterinarian. He has worked with a wide variety of species native to Borneo including elephants, pangolins and, of course, orangutans. Although based at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, he also assists at the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary and on animal rescues. As a result, he can often be found in remote parts of the rainforest helping animals in need.
You can buy essential equipment to aid Dr Yohind in his work by purchasing something from our Amazon Wishlist.
Veterinary nurse
Ibritinah (Ibri) has worked for us since 2005 and is a valuable member of the Sepilok team. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Ibri ensures that round the clock care is provided to orangutans at the clinic. She also performs regular health checks, assists in surgery, takes x-rays, helps with vaccinations, administers medication, prepares food and is instrumental in the day to day care of the orangutans.
Orangutan health checks
Orangutans, especially the young and vulnerable ones, can experience sickness. During their time at Sepilok, they have routine check-ups and bi-annual health checks which we are pleased to fund. The check-up includes weighing, a basic physical examination and blood sampling for general health screening every six months.
Clinic equipment
The clinic at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre provides 24-hour care to injured and sick orangutans and other wildlife. It is an important facility which increases survival rates for members of this critically endangered species.
Over the years, we have provided a range of clinic equipment including a custom made operating table, a UV steriliser, blood testing kits, haemoglobin readers, an autoclave, water-bath, microscopes, surgical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), Covid-19 testing kits, an x-ray developer, cassettes and aprons.
Ground-breaking surgery
Orangutan Appeal UK made history by funding the world’s first cataract operation on a mature male orangutan. Aman, a 19 year old dominant male orangutan, had been left virtually blind by developing cataracts. The three hour long operation to restore his sight was performed at the Matang Wildlife Centre in Sarawak, Malaysia, and was conducted by specialist animal ophthalmologist Dr Izak Venter of South Africa, and specialist anaesthetist, Frik Stegmann, also from South Africa.
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.
![Orangutan Rescue]()
Projects in the field
Rescue & release
We aid the rescue and release of orphaned, displaced and injured orangutans, as well as those who are victims of the illegal wildlife trade.
![Orangutan Appeal UK staff employed to work at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre]()
