The second Sumatran orangutan rehabilitation caentre established in 1973, is primarily concerned with rehabilitation, where as the other two are primarily engaged in field research. However, since early 1979 Ketambe has stopped functioning as a rehabilitation center and continued as a research station. The first idea of establishing Bohorok Station is to provide a home for confiscated animals and thus provide an incentive for law enforcement The center was established in June 1973, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund but financially supported by the Swiss Zoologist Regina Frey and Monica Borner. Later, management of the Centre was taken over by Conrad and Rosalind Aveling, zoologist from England. Upon arrival at the Rehabilitation Center, animals are often in poor conditions.
Newcomers immediately enter quarantine for two months of conservation and medical screening.
Their blood and faces are examined and they are tested for and vaccinated against tuberculosis and poliomyelitis. Next, the animals are put in the trees surrounding the Centre to allow them to practise arboreal movement. The animals are then released step by step into the forest. The released animals area fed bananas twice daily on the platfom, which is three meters from the ground. During the 15 years of the Centre's operation, at least 100 orangutans were released into the forest.