Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Center

Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, located approximately 24 km from Kuching, is not only an orangutan sanctuary and nature reserve but also a testament to successful wildlife rehabilitation efforts. Established in 1975, the center was initially created to provide care for wild animals that had been kept as illegal pets, orphaned, or found injured in the rainforest. Over the years, Semenggoh has successfully rehabilitated and released a significant number of orangutans into the 653-hectare forest reserve. These released orangutans have thrived in their natural habitat, with some even starting families of their own. The offspring of these "graduates" have spent their entire lives in the wild within the protected area, contributing to the center's conservation efforts. While most of the released orangutans spend the majority of their time in the forest, some occasionally return to the center, where they are provided with food twice a day. Currently, Semenggoh is home to over twenty orangutans, and the forest reserve has reached its carrying capacity. As a result, Sarawak's orangutan rehabilitation activities have been relocated to the Matang Wildlife Center. However, Semenggoh remains the premier destination in Sarawak for visitors to have an up-close and personal experience with these incredible primates. The center offers a unique opportunity to observe orangutans in their natural habitat, providing an unforgettable and educational experience for all who visit.