SANDAKAN: Visiting Sepilok (Part One)

In my novel THE EURASIANS, I mentioned briefly about the plight of a female Orangutan displaced by the destruction of the Borneo jungles. Every time she waited for Sam (the American) to pass by and feed her some bananas. But thankfully, most of the Orangutans in Sepilok are protected and looked after properly. I was so relieved to see this female (picture above) ape not only managed to eat here peacefully, but also to care for her young. I was made to understand baby Orangutans are the most dependent to their mother's care in order for them to survive compared to other apes or mammals.

Visitors waiting patiently for the apes to appear

In my book, I also mentioned Aaron Johnson always bringing her daughter Susan to Sepilok to watch these red furry creatures. Yes! Sepilok Rehabilitation Center are full of visitors; mostly foreign tourists who waited patiently for the Orangutans to appear and have their meals. Do not despair if they are not around to come to their feeding platform. The wardens purposely fed them only bananas and watermelons so that they would get bored with their food. This is to encourage them to forage for wild fruits and not to be too dependent on the center.

Fortunately for all of us, a few did dropped by for their meal. The warden frantically cried out and whistled so that more Orangutans would appear just to amuse us but it seems only a few of them were interested dining here. But even watching those few was awesome enough to make everybody happy and satisfied.

The first English romance-thriller from Borneo
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