Orangutan Appeal UK

Why your donation matters

By raising funds for the Appeal, you can be assured that you will be directly helping orphaned, displaced or ex-captive orangutans by supporting their rehabilitation, veterinary care or release in to the wild. We also fund the rescue teams and vehicles for the The Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP); working on the frontline of orangutan conservation, they travel vast distances to rescue the orangutans most in need.

The orangutans that we help have nearly always had a tough start to life having lost the love and care of their mother; many have been kept as pets and many come to us in desperate need of veterinary attention.

Your support can ensure that these babies are given a second chance at freedom in their rainforest home. Together we can fight for their survival.

Case study: donations in action

Michelle’s Story

Michelle is lucky to have survived the ordeal that brought her to Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. In 2009 Michelle and her mother were spotted at the edge of a palm oil plantation; it is most likely that they stumbled upon the plantation in their search for food. As is often the case, the plantation workers were worried about Michelle’s mother eating their crops. They sent dogs to chase her away, and a very panicked mother and baby became separated. On this occasion, Michelle’s mother was able to escape from the dogs and retreat in to the trees but a tiny Michelle was left behind.

Michelle was very lucky to be brought to Sepilok by the workers, as they might have sold her as a pet. She progressed really well on the rehabilitation scheme, learning lots of skills. In 2011, Michelle was released into the protected forest reserves that surround the centre.

Michelle’s rehabilitation, care and food were all made possible by the kind donations and support we receive.