Do they exist? Yes, I'm happy to report they do, we have seen some in the Sepilok Orang Utang Sanctuary which is situated in the rainforests of North-East Borneo. With the diminishing of the rainforests, they are a very endangered species  and the sanctuary does a wonderful job of protecting them.  We started our visit with an introduction by a volunteer worker named Julie, she had previously worked in Twycross Zoo (less than than 10 miles away from our home town, Hinckley). 

      We watched a video showing the care the orang utangs have from babies to eventual release into the natural environment. Honestly, those babies are pampered as much as any human child! Then it was time to view the orang utangs at feeding time. Guess what? It's a rainforest and it rained and rained. Eventually, a few orang utangs braved the elements and swung along the rope system to the feeding platform. They were so funny, they made umbrellas out of leaves! Here's a picture of one braving his way through the rain to the feeding platform - look familiar eh?

     After the visit, we stayed overnight in a jungle resort nearby. The rain continued to pour down all night. Now we know why so many houses are built on stilts!

Fortunately, Jon was feeling much better now so we could go ahead with our diving plans when we returned to Semporna.