Wild orangutans build nests to sleep in every night high up in the rainforest canopy and baby orangutans will share this nest with their mother until they have learnt how to construct one for themselves. At Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, the orphaned babies are too young to make their own nests so hammocks are provided to ensure the babies have a comfortable night’s sleep.

The shape of the hammock helps to give the sense of warmth and security they would have felt if they were still snuggled up to their mother. Although this can’t ever be replicated it is surely the next best thing!