Adorable Orangutans or the fuzzy, red-haired Asian primates have been declared ‘endangered’ by the World Conservation Union. It is estimated that only approximately 7000 of these gentle giants now remain in the wild, largely within the jungles of Sumatra and Borneo. Efforts however are on in full swing to conserve these intelligent creatures so that future generations continue to know them.
One of these conservative efforts takes the form of Orangutan Island situated in Semanggol, Perak. This sanctuary, is in fact located within the boundaries of the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, a popular vacation spot which borders Malaysia’s largest 7000 acre freshwater lake.
Pulau Orangutan is a 35-acre island, which hosts an Orangutan conservation and rehabilitation facility extending over five acres of the island. Housed within the facility are a dozen Borneo orangutans of various ages. Ferries depart from the resort every 45 minutes for Pulau Orangutan and the ride to the island spans only about ten minutes. Once you have arrived on the island, you are led on to a specially, constructed 328-foot long steel caged walk-through, which enables you to observe these gentle creatures at close quarters. Ironically on Orangutan Island, it is humans who are caged while the endangered primate species are allowed to go about their business without a care in the world.
The orangutans housed at this refuge center are mainly rescues or orphans. The center aims to rehabilitate them so that can adapt easily once they are released into the wild. Aside from functioning as a center for rehabilitation, this Orangutan sanctuary also serves as an educational and research organization which aims to promote better understanding of the orangutans.
The Orangutan Island is one of the prominent attractions of the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort though along with this nature sanctuary the resort offers various other attractions like thrilling rides within its waterpark, an Echo Park which offers a chance to get up close and personal with diverse animals and birds and jungle canopy walk.
A trip to the Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort and Orangutan Island promises much enjoyment as well as valuable instruction for all ages.
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