You will have the amazing oppoortunity to work with the Orang-Utan - one of the most endangered of Malaysian wildlife species. Found only in Borneo and Sumatra, the Orang-Utans’ survival is constantly threatened by forest fires, felling of trees, poaching and illegal hunting.

THE SEPILOK ORANG-UTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE PROJECT:

The Centre is located near Sandakan, in Malaysian Borneo and was set up as a means of housing injured or orphaned Orang-Utans. The aim is to care for them and nurse them back to health before they can be released into the forest.

Many Orang-Utans that end up here have strayed into logging camps or been rescued from captivity. Many are orphaned babies that cannot survive in the forest alone. When the res

cued Orang-Utans first arrive at the centre, they are often in a sorry state and riddled with diseases. They are put into cages while they're treated for their ailments and nursed back to health. The wardens then teach them how to forage for fruit, climb trees and generally fend for themselves.

When they are mid-way through the rehabilitation process they are released into the surrounding forest reserve. The animals then spend most of their time in the forest but often return to one of the Centre's five feeding platforms for a “free” meal. When the wardens feel that that an Orang-Utan is fully rehabilitated, it is caught and returned to the wild - usually deep in the forest or to one of the National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.

YOUR WORK AT SEPILOK:

Your duties may vary depending on what is required at the time. During your placement it is likely that you will:
► Learn about Orang-Utan Husbandry Management by working in both the Indoor and Outdoor Nursery.
► Learn about Orang-Utan Paediatric and Veterinary Care.
► Conduct a Field Survey on the Orang-utan population in Sepilok Reserve.
► Conduct a Nocturnal Animal survey.

Work will be done on a rotational basis, with different groups of volunteers working within each of the different departments outlined above. You'll spend about 50% of your time working in direct hands-on contact with the Orang-Utans and about 50% of your time will involve helping support the conservation efforts of the centre (e.g conducting surveys, trekking in the jungle etc).

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation at Sepilok will be in the nearby Sepilok Rest House. This is a privately run Bed and Breakfast which comprises basic but clean facilities. The Sepilok Rest House is located at the entrance to the Orang-Utan centre and just a few minutes walk from here takes you to the edge of the tropical virgin rainforest and a wide expanse of lush jungle.

Volunteers are required to share rooms (usually two or three to a room) and food will be provided at the rest house. The owner (Mr Chong) and his staff are very friendly and will ensure that you are made to feel at home!

During your time spent at the Nature Interpretation Centre you will stay in accommodation in the nearby town of Tuaran, around 15 minutes away from the centre.

Malaysia has lovely weather all year round with lots of sunshine and you will have some time during your free days to explore the local region and visit some of the tourist attractions.