SANDAKAN: Orangutan Appeal UK, a British-based conservation charity, will commemorate its 25th anniversary at a special event in Sepilok on April 30, celebrating a quarter-century of partnership with the Sabah Wildlife Department and transformative efforts to protect Bornean orangutans.
Since its establishment in 2000, the charity has channelled over RM14 million into critical conservation initiatives, directly supporting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre—a globally recognized facility dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans.
Its funding has enabled vital veterinary care, infrastructure upgrades, wildlife research, and community education programs, alongside aiding the rescue and reintroduction of over 300 displaced orangutans into protected forests.
Employing 13 local staff in Sepilok, Orangutan Appeal UK has prioritized grassroots engagement while amplifying global awareness of threats facing the critically endangered Bornean orangutan. The anniversary event will gather government officials, conservation partners, and stakeholders to honour shared achievements and underscore the importance of sustained collaboration.
“This milestone celebrates the power of partnership. Sabah Wildlife Department’s unwavering leadership has been pivotal in driving impactful, long-term conservation. While challenges like habitat loss and poaching persist, our collective resolve ensures hope for these iconic primates,” Jacha Potgieter, chairman of Orangutan Appeal UK, stated.
Despite progress, orangutans remain endangered due to deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict. The charity reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside Sabahan communities and authorities to address these threats, emphasizing the need for public support and innovative strategies.
The anniversary also marks the launch of a new education outreach campaign targeting schools in Sabah, aiming to foster environmental stewardship among younger generations. – James Leong
