The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) remains steadfast in its mission: protect orangutans and their habitats. 2024 was a testament to this commitment, highlighted by remarkable milestones and inspiring success stories, contributing to that very mission. Join us as we reflect on and celebrate their 2024 achievements and look forward to a new year filled with more innovative conservation efforts and dynamic collaborations.
A YEAR OF REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Rescues and Rehabilitation: Last year, five baby orangutans were rescued from dire situations and brought to safety, including Selfie, pictured above, who arrived at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary just last month. The five little ones have begun their rehabilitation journeys and are on the road to being released back into the wild, where they belong. Alongside these orangutans, a baby sun bear named Andre found refuge at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project.
Dedicated Care: The BOSF team and volunteers lovingly cared for 355 orangutans and 75 sun bears. From providing food and medical care to teaching young orangutans vital survival skills and monitoring their progress at every stage, BOSF has a considerable workload, which is why the volunteer program really makes a difference. Last year, volunteers helped to create thousands of enrichment items, construct platforms and plant trees in areas that need them most.
Returning to the Wild: One of the most uplifting accomplishments of the past year was the successful reintroduction of six rehabilitated orangutans into the wild. This remarkable achievement reflects years of tireless dedication, specialised care, and careful planning. Witnessing these once-rescued orangutans embrace their newfound freedom is a profoundly moving experience. Every release showcases the transformative work of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation and its efforts to safeguard and restore critically endangered orangutan populations.
Road to Freedom: Fifteen orangutans were moved to pre-release islands in 2024, marking a critical phase in their journey towards reintroduction into the wild! These islands provide the perfect setting for orangutans to hone their survival skills in a semi-wild environment. On the islands, the orangutans are monitored by technicians to see how they adapt to building their nightly nests, foraging for food, and interacting with other orangutans.
New Life in the Wild: BOSF celebrated the arrival of two wild-born babies from orangutans previously released into the wild. These births represent the ultimate success of the conservation efforts and the resilience of the species. Orangutans, once orphaned or displaced, now thrive as new mothers, teaching their babies how to survive and navigate the complexities of their natural environment the way nature intended. Each birth strengthens the population and reinforces the importance of preserving critical habitats, ensuring that future generations of orangutans can continue to flourish in the wild.
Care for the Unreleasable: Sadly, not all orangutans can return to the wild, and BOSF provides a safe haven for 100 unreleasable orangutans, as well as 75 sun bears. Currently, efforts are underway to create an island where these unreleasable orangutans can live in a semi-wild environment; these habitats will allow them to experience a life that is as natural as possible while still receiving the support they need for the rest of their lives.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025
As we celebrate these successes, we're also looking ahead with excitement to 2025. This year promises to be a year of bolder steps and bigger changes in orangutan conservation. Within the first week, the team at Samboja Lestari welcomed a rescued 2-year-old female orangutan to the sanctuary, marking a focused start to the year!
If you want to be part of the incredible work undertaken by BOSF, consider volunteering on the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project or at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary. You can be part of vital orangutan conservation efforts that return orangutans to the wild, support new life in the forest and create new habitats for Bornean wildlife. Make a difference this year by volunteering with orangutans!
