Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Sabah
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, located approximately 25 kilometers west of Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia, was established in 1964 as the world's first official orangutan rehabilitation project. It focuses on rescuing orphaned baby orangutans, often victims of logging, plantations, illegal hunting, or pet trade, and trains them to survive independently in the wild. The centre is situated within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, a 4,294-hectare protected area of largely virgin rainforest that also holds designation as an Important Bird Area. Today, around 60 to 80 orangutans live freely within the reserve, benefiting from ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Visitors to the centre can observe the orangutans’ progress, including a nursery area opened in 2014 where young orangutans learn to climb and play under supervised conditions from indoor viewing galleries. The centre is not only a sanctuary but also a vital conservation and research site administered by Sabah’s Wildlife Department under Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism. Its activities have gained international attention through documentaries and television series, highlighting the importance of orangutan conservation and rehabilitation.
ヒント: The best time to visit Sepilok is during the morning feeding sessions when orangutans are most active and visible. It is advisable to purchase entrance tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry. Visitors should also consider exploring the nearby rainforest trails to enhance the experience. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The centre provides both air-conditioned and fan-cooled viewing areas for comfort while observing orangutans in the nursery.
興味深い事実
- •Sepilok is the first official orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world, established in 1964.
- •The centre is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, which covers over 4,200 hectares of mostly virgin rainforest.
- •Approximately 60 to 80 orangutans live freely in the reserve today as a result of successful rehabilitation.
- •The reserve is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International due to its rich avian biodiversity.
- •The centre’s rehabilitation efforts have been featured in international TV programs such as 'Paul O'Grady's Animal Orphans' and Animal Planet's 'Meet the Orangutans'.
- •In 2014, a nursery viewing area was opened allowing visitors to watch young orangutans learn to climb and socialize on a large play structure.
歴史
Founded in 1964, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was created to address the urgent need to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned orangutans displaced by logging and human activities.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a globally recognized sanctuary and conservation hub.
In 2014, the centre expanded its facilities by opening a dedicated nursery viewing area to enhance visitor engagement and education.
The surrounding Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve has remained largely intact, providing a vital habitat for rehabilitated orangutans and other wildlife.
場所ガイド
Nursery Viewing Area2014
Opened in 2014, this facility features two large indoor seating areas-one air-conditioned and one fan-cooled-with large windows overlooking a play structure where young orangutans learn essential survival skills through play and social interaction.
Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve
A protected rainforest reserve covering 4,294 hectares, home to rehabilitated orangutans and diverse wildlife, including many bird species recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area.
