Located near Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is home to Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus). Established in 1975, the sanctuary helps rehabilitate orangutans, particularly orphaned and injured individuals, and educates visitors about the importance of protecting this critically endangered species.
Article and photography by Damien Lafon
A natural habitat in the heart of the tropical forest
The Semenggoh center is nestled in the heart of a dense tropical forest, characteristic of Borneo. This natural environment provides an optimal setting for orangutans to live and regain their autonomy. In addition, the trees of this forest play a crucial role in providing them with food, shelter and means of transport. In particular, they produce fruits such as figs and durians, which form an important part of their diet.
Did you know?
Bornean orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling mammals in the world. Males measure up to 97 cm and weigh up to 90 kg, while females reach about 78 cm and weigh 40 to 50 kg.
Orangutans’ daily life in Semenggoh
At the Semenggoh center, orangutans participate in a rehabilitation program designed to prepare them for independent living. In addition, during feeding times, rangers place fruit, giving visitors the opportunity to observe these primates while maintaining a safe distance.
These interactions reveal natural behaviors, including the use of tools to feed themselves or communication through gestures. In addition, these great apes, which share 97% of their DNA with humans, display intelligence and attitudes that reflect this genetic proximity.
A critically endangered species
In fact, Bornean orangutans are classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their population, estimated at around 104,700 individuals, has declined significantly over the past few decades. Much of this decline is due to deforestation, caused mainly by the expansion of oil palm plantations, which is destroying their natural habitat.
Did you know?
Palm oil, 85% of which is produced in Indonesia and Malaysia, is a major cause of the destruction of tropical forests. Some organizations are promoting sustainable production practices to reduce this impact on biodiversity.
An educational and participatory role in the service of conservation
The Semenggoh center goes beyond the simple rehabilitation of Bornean orangutans and assumes a major educational role. Indeed, it informs visitors about the importance of preserving these primates and their environment, while highlighting the close link between consumption habits and the disappearance of tropical forests. The campaigns carried out encourage concrete actions, such as favoring sustainable products to limit the impact on natural habitats.
Funds from tourism contribute to the financing of rehabilitation programs and awareness-raising activities. In order to limit the human impact on orangutans, the center applies strict rules. Among these, respecting distances from the animals and silence during observations are essential. By respecting these instructions, visitors support the protection of orangutans and their habitat. In addition, they adopt responsible practices that reduce their ecological footprint.
An uncertain but possible future
The work of the Semenggoh centre represents a vital initiative for the conservation of Bornean orangutans. However, the survival of this species depends on collective action. Reducing deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening laws against illegal trade are essential steps to protect these great apes.
The centre embodies the importance of local initiatives in the fight to preserve endangered species. Thus, each orangutan rescued and reintroduced into the wild is a testament to the possibility of preserving this vital link between the forest and the wildlife that lives there.
Did you know?
Bornean orangutans have a life expectancy of 45 years in the wild. In captivity, some even reach 50 years thanks to safer living conditions.
Conclusion
The orangutans at Semenggoh are a reminder of the need to protect our biodiversity. These great apes, so close to humans, depend on fragile ecosystems that we have a responsibility to preserve. By supporting initiatives like Semenggoh and adopting responsible consumption habits, we can help ensure a future for Borneo’s orangutans and their habitat.
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