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Arnold Ibri 04 2019 3

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Orangutan rehabilitation

Rescued orangutans at Sepilok undergo a 5-step rehabilitation programme to increase their chances of returning to the wild.

Orangutans of all ages are rescued and taken to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Many are malnourished, dehydrated and some have sustained injuries. Almost all are suffering from severe stress and trauma.

A young unwell orangutan lying with towels around him on top of a metal vet table with plastic tubes going to his nose.

Orangutan infants stay with their mothers for up to 8 years in the wild so any orangutan younger than this found alone and vulnerable has a poor chance of survival. The fortunate ones are rescued and taken to rehabilitation centres, like Sepilok, where they can receive the health care and treatment they need before starting on a journey of rehabilitation which aims to equip them with the life skills they need to have an independent life in the wild.

Rescue of orangutan

  • Step 1

    Assessment

    On arrival the orangutans undergo a thorough health check. Tiny babies have one-to-one care from a vet nurse who acts as a surrogate mother. Slowly they are introduced to other orangutans who are at the same stage for ‘play sessions’.

  • Step 2

    Indoor nursery

    The babies are taken to the indoor nursery where they are still under very close care. This is their ‘outdoor confidence building’ stage. They are taught to climb, nest-build and are encouraged to forage for food by the carers and older orangutans.

  • Step 3

    Outdoor nursery

    The orangutans are transferred to the outdoor nursery. They continue to develop their climbing and foraging skills. They're also monitored for signs of becoming self-sufficient and ready for release.

  • Step 4

    Soft release

    The orangutan is brought further into the rainforest for ‘soft release’. They spend a few days acclimatising to their new surroundings and are slowly introduced to other orangutans who frequent the site. Here we provide supplementary food which is kept very basic to encourage foraging.

  • Step 5

    Independence

    Orangutans that show no sign of wanting or needing human support and pass a final health check they are taken deeper into the Sepilok-Kabili Reserve to start their new lives as independent, wild orangutans.

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