Borneo is one of the few places on Earth where you can witness orangutans in their natural habitat. However, these animals are under constant threat from deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal poaching.
Fortunately, Borneo is also home to several orangutan rehabilitation centres dedicated to the conservation and protection of this endangered species. These centres not only play a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans but also offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and contribute to their survival.
Orangutans are among the most intelligent animals on the planet, sharing nearly 97% of their DNA with humans. However, their numbers have been dwindling at an alarming rate due to the destruction of their natural habitats. The primary culprits are deforestation, driven by the expansion of palm oil plantations, illegal logging, and forest fires. Additionally, the illegal pet trade has led to the capture of many young orangutans, often after their mothers have been killed.
Orangutan rehabilitation centres in Borneo serve as sanctuaries for these animals, offering them a second chance at life. The mission of these centres is twofold: to rescue and rehabilitate displaced or injured orangutans and, where possible, to reintroduce them into the wild. The work done by these centres is vital for the survival of the species and the preservation of Borneo’s unique ecosystem.
Visiting an orangutan rehabilitation centre in Borneo is a moving and educational experience. Not only do you get to see these animals up close, but you also gain insight into the challenges they face, and the efforts being made to protect them.
Here are some of the most notable orangutan rehabilitation centres in Borneo that you can visit as part of your Borneo safari.
Located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, Sepilok is one of the most famous orangutan rehabilitation centres in the world. Established in 1964, the centre covers over 40 square kilometres of protected rainforest, providing a haven for orphaned and injured orangutans.
Visitors can observe orangutans during their daily feeding times and explore the centre’s educational facilities. The centre also offers a unique opportunity to see the rehabilitation process in action, as young orangutans are gradually prepared for life back in the wild.
Discover more about the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Situated near Kuching in Sarawak, the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre has been rehabilitating orangutans since 1975. The centre is set within a sprawling nature reserve, where semi-wild orangutans roam freely. Like Sepilok, Semenggoh is focused on rehabilitating orangutans and eventually reintroducing them into the wild.
Visitors can attend feeding sessions where they can witness the orangutans’ impressive climbing skills and natural behaviours. The centre also conducts important research on orangutan behaviour and ecology, contributing to broader conservation efforts.
Also located in Sarawak, the Matang Wildlife Centre is part of the larger Kubah National Park. The centre is dedicated not only to orangutans but also to other endangered species native to Borneo, such as sun bears, hornbills, and clouded leopards. Matang focuses on the rehabilitation of orangutans that have been rescued from captivity or injured in the wild. The centre’s extensive rainforest surroundings provide an ideal environment for orangutans to learn the skills they need to survive independently. Visitors to Matang can observe the rehabilitation process and learn about the challenges faced by wildlife in Borneo.
Located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, Nyaru Menteng is the largest orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world. It is run by the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation and is home to over 400 orangutans.
The centre provides a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, from medical treatment to forest school training, where young orangutans learn the skills they need to survive in the wild. Nyaru Menteng is renowned for its success in reintroducing orangutans to protected forest areas. While visiting opportunities are limited due to the centre’s focus on the rehabilitation process, Nyaru Menteng offers valuable insights into the conservation work being done in Indonesian Borneo.
One of just four orangutan sanctuaries worldwide, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) was founded in 1964. Arguably the best known in the world for its groundbreaking work in protecting these much-loved primates, it is also the first sanctuary in the world to offer rehabilitation to orphaned orangutans.
At 130 million years old, Borneo's Rainforest is one of the oldest in the world, and home to a dizzying number of species (15,000 of plants, 3,000 of trees, 221 of land mammals & 420 of birds!). As the third largest island in the world, a lot of these are endemic to Borneo alone, their natural habitat being unique and endangered. The renowned Danum Valley is a mystical and special example of this pristine environment, where you can spot a variety of Borneo's animals including, pygmy elephants and (if you are very lucky) clouded leopard skulking in the shade of lowland dipterocarps, watch orangutans and gibbons swinging in the vines, and bearded pigs and deer scarpering through the undergrowth.
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Wong Siew Te is a Malaysian wildlife biologist and sun bear expert. He has been studying Bornean sun bears since 1998 in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
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Borneo is one of the few places on Earth where you can witness orangutans in their natural habitat. However, these animals are under constant threat from deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal poaching.
The journey of an orangutan through rehabilitation is a long and complex one, often taking several years. The process begins with rescue, usually when an orangutan is found orphaned, injured, or illegally kept as a pet. Upon arrival at a rehabilitation centre, the orangutan undergoes a thorough medical examination and receives any necessary treatment.
Young orangutans, particularly those orphaned at a very young age, require round-the-clock care. They are placed in a nursery, where they are bottle-fed and provided with the warmth and comfort they would have received from their mothers. As they grow older, they are gradually introduced to other orangutans and begin to learn essential survival skills, such as climbing, foraging, and nest building, in a ‘forest school’ setting.
The final stage of rehabilitation involves moving the orangutans to a semi-wild environment within the centre’s protected area. Here, they are closely monitored by staff as they adapt to life in the forest. Only when they have demonstrated the ability to survive independently are they considered for reintroduction into the wild.
For many orangutans, the process culminates in their release into a protected area of rainforest, far from human settlements and the threats that originally endangered them.
However, not all orangutans are candidates for release, particularly those that have spent many years in captivity and have become too accustomed to human presence. For these individuals, the rehabilitation centres provide a lifelong sanctuary.
Visiting orangutan rehabilitation centres in Borneo not only offers an unforgettable experience but also supports the crucial work being done to protect these incredible animals. Sustainable tourism plays a significant role in conservation efforts, providing much-needed funds and raising awareness of the challenges faced by orangutans and their habitats.
A visit to an orangutan rehabilitation centre in Borneo is not just a holiday activity—it’s a powerful way to connect with one of the world’s most endangered species and contribute to its survival. As you walk through the lush forests and observe these incredible animals, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of protecting their natural habitats.
Let us help you plan a bespoke journey to Borneo’s orangutan rehabilitation centres. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure or a meaningful solo experience, we’ll tailor your trip to ensure it’s as enriching as it is enjoyable. Together, we can make a difference in the fight to save Borneo’s orangutans.
