KUCHING: The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre (SWC) has new bundle of joy – a Borneon orangutan baby named “Sigat”.
The new addition to the orangutan family at the centre is the male infant born to Sadamiah, a 16-year-old orangutan, who has now two offsprings.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd (SFC) said after days of noshow, Sadamiah finally appeared wuth her newborn clinging tightly lurking between the lush canopy of the forest at the centre on Mar 27.
“It was a sight to behold indeed since the last birth at the centre was recorded two years ago.
“Since its establishment in 1975, SWC has successfully released 11 orangutans thereat and with the new addition, a total of 24 offsprings is now recorded to date,” said the corporation in a statement.
The birth of Sigat also came to the attention of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg, who came to the centre recently and blessed the orangutan baby with his name.
“The word “sigat”, which is from the Iban language, means handsome, smart, beautiful, diligent while never fails to impress.
“The word is also largely used by other ethics in Sarawak in such context.
“On the perspective of conservation, the term “sigat” could not be more appropriate to signify the beauty and majesty of orangutan and reflects the success of SWC as a centre for orangutan rehabilitation for endangered Borneon orangutan,” the statement said.
The corporation also invited the public to part of the orangutan rehabilitation efforts by joining adoption programme offered by SWC.
“It enables ‘adoption’ of specific orangutan for a year by contributing annual amount of RM200 for individual and RM10,000 for corporate bodies or companies.
“Proceeds from the programme will be used to fund conservation activities and the rehabilitation of wildlife in the state,” it said.
Those interested to join the programme can visit SWC or contact the centre at 082-618325 or SFC’s Corporate Office at 082-610088.