Orang
Utan
The Sanctuary is set in 43 sq. km of beautiful
virgin rainforest 25 km from Sandakan. Its conservation program was started in
1964 to help and teach Orang Utans who may have been abandoned by their mothers,
injured, or formerly in captivity fend for themselves in the wild.
The Orang Utan is well known for being man's
closest relative. These animals are astonishingly gentle and highly intelligent,
gazing at visitors with almost disconcerting frankness. Visitors are not allowed
to touch the animals inside the Sanctuary, fearing the spread of diseases. Do
not despair though. It is still possible to meet and photograph the mature
female apes.
Orang Utans are so fond of human companionship
that they simply refuse to go back to the wild, which is located outside the
Registration Center. Visitors will be able to observe orphaned Orang Utan being
taught how to climb. Proceeding on to a platform, visitors will then be able to
watch semi-wild Orang Utan come in from the further reaches of the forest for
their twice-daily ration of milk and bananas.
Besides Orang
Utan, the Sanctuary also houses
highly endangered Sumatran rhinos and (occasionally) other animals such as
elephants. In addition, there is also an Information Nature Education Center and
a mini-theater where a documentary video on the work of the Sepilok Orang Utan
Sanctuary is shown.
