KUCHING: Semenggoh Wildlife Centre will throw a special birthday party this Saturday for Mas, a baby male orang utan born on the Sept 16 last year.
For the first time ever, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is organising the event to mark the birth of the orang utan, in conjunction with the Hari Malaysia celebration this Saturday.
SFC, in a statement today, also extended the birthday invitation to the public to join the event, which will start at 9am. Entrance fee into the centre will also be waived.
"Everyone are welcome to join us because there are a lot of exciting activities lined-up for everyone to enjoy including the young ones," said SFC in the statement.
"It is absolute suitable as a family outing, wildlife lovers or those who are looking for something different to do on the public holiday.
Visitors will have a chance to witness how the orang utans survive in the semi-wild environment, attend talks about the mammal and other wildlife in Sarawak as well as photo booth and lucky draw," the corporation added.
A cake cutting ceremony by SFC deputy general manager Braken Oswald and Mas' adopters will also be held during the birthday celebration.
Mas, named after the three letter abbreviation code for Malaysia, is the youngest orang utan in Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
"Anyone who wish to adopt the Hari Malaysia orang utan can do so at the event," SFC said, adding that with a contribution of RM200 per year, adopters will receive a certificate of adoption and a limited edition T-shirt.
"Currently, we have 28 people who have adopted Mas and we aim to have another 72 people to join our adoption programme.
"We hope to reach 100 adopters as a birthday present to Mas. All the donations will be channeled to the centre's conservation programmes for the orangutans," said SFC.