Our Chief Executive Officer
Dr Sabapathy Dharmalingam
Veterinary Surgeon
Dr Sabapathy obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Bangladesh Agricultural University and his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rajasthan in India.
In 2002, he joined Bukit Merah Laketown Resort as a Veterinary Officer in charge of the Ecopark and Orang Utan Island.
In 2005, he was promoted to Veterinary Service Manager and Head of Orang Utan Island, and, soon after, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation.
Since commencing service at Orang Utan Island, Dr Sabapathy has transformed the sanctuary into a noted research centre and has put in place a seven-stage rehabilitation programme for orangutans at Orang Utan Island, including a well-equipped Infant Care Unit.
He has also developed various medical-veterinary procedures for treating sick and injured infant orangutans and established clear protocols in the management and treatment of the infants.
His commitment to the dissemination of knowledge led him to tailor educational programmes for local primary and secondary schools, and, research programmes for local and foreign university undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Dr Sabapathy has inked several collaborations with institutions of higher learning from around the world and has promoted internship programmes for Master and PhD students.
He has also written papers and made presentations at events, and, co-authored the book 'The Orangutans of Bukit Merah' with Nurhafizie Mohamad Hapiszudin and Rosimah Roslan.
