Hampton School has built up strong links with the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok, Malaysia and our Adventure Society frequently visit the centre to experience first-hand the work of a conservation charity.
Hampton has recently adopted a young baby orangutan, called Zorro. Mr David Clarke, Head of the Adventure Society, tells us more about Zorro’s journey:
Zorro was a tiny, vulnerable baby aged just three months old when he arrived at Sepilok. He was
discovered helpless and alone on the roadside by a passer-by who saw him and realised he needed help. Orangutan babies spend the first seven to eight years of their lives with their mothers and are inseparable during infancy. A mother would never abandon her baby unless something was wrong. We will never know what happened and why he became separated from his
mum. He was very lucky to be found, and wouldn’t have survived much longer in the forest
without his mother’s care and protection.
Fortunately, Zorro was in good physical health and did not require any special medical
treatment. As he was so young, he had to be fed every two hours to ensure he received the
right level of nutrients and to keep him hydrated. The staff took turns to ensure he was cared
for 24 hours a day.
Since arriving at Sepilok, Zorro has developed into a very playful, vibrant and independent
young orangutan. Zorro is growing in confidence and is learning well but he is still a little apprehensive in the forest and needs to develop his tree climbing skills.
Zorro follows in the footsteps of Barry, who was adopted by Hampton School in 2012 and is now thriving, having been released back into the wild to live independently two years ago. Barry has adapted well to his new life in the wild but does still visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre occasionally.
Take a look at the video below to find out more about baby orangutan, Zorro:
Hampton School continues to support Orangutan Appeal UK through fundraising activities and has helped purchase much needed X-ray and microscope equipment over recent years, both of which have been vital in improving the care of the orangutans. More information about the charity can be found by visiting Orangutan Appeal UK.
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