National Geographic & ITV

These days, the fate of the orangutan hangs in the balance, with small populations found only in Sumatra and Borneo. The mission of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is to reintroduce captive orangutans back to the wild.

Melvin Richard leads the rehabilitation effort, which focuses on orangutans that have been kept illegally as pets. Habitat destruction is another factor plaguing the species, which depends on the rainforest for survival. A relatively fragile animal, orangutans require special care in order to protect them from infection, viruses, dehydration, and surprisingly, depression.

Melvin and his team have learned all the necessary tricks of orangutan care. They have had tremendous success in their rehabilitation efforts. Follow the stories of Felix, Marik, and Adun, a spirited trio of orangutan orphans who benefit from the special brand of loving care doled out by the dedicated individuals at Sepilok.