The Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) in Sabah was established in May 2010 to assist the Sabah Wildlife Department in addressing the growing issues of human-wildlife conflict and conservation challenges. Initially funded by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), the funding was later taken over by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) in 2021.
The WRU has since been working to rescue, rehabilitate, and conserve wildlife, while also raising public awareness and supporting enforcement of wildlife protection laws. Since January 2023, the unit operates as a contract-based support service under the Sabah Wildlife Department.