The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary aims to rehabilitate and release as many orangutans as possible. We’re excited to announce that thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), 10 more have been released back into the wild this month!
The releases were split into 2 trips, the first to the Bemban area and the second to the Hiran area, both deep within the rainforest.
All 10 orangutans completed their rehabilitation and training for survival in the wild at Nyaru Menteng, and each have their own unique story.
Lalang and Noni were rescued and bought to the sanctuary as 2 of 47 orangutans who were repatriated from Thailand to Indonesia in a major operation back in 2006. After undergoing 17 years of rehabilitation together, both of their transport cages were opened at the same time in the rainforest and they are now finally back where they belong in the wild.
Svenja and Yoko both came to the sanctuary as very young orphans after being rescued together in the Kapuas Regency. Both graduated from the rehabilitation centre and were released back into the wild at the same time. Svenja was released in the Hiran area and Yoko was released in the Beman area.
Sadly, Mama Edwan arrived at the sanctuary in 2007 with severe damage to her left arm. As a result, the vet team at the sanctuary had to amputate her entire limb. Despite this physically traumatic experience, she thankfully made a full recovery. She has even had a beautiful little baby, Edwina! When released back into the rainforest, Mama Edwan and her daughter, Edwina both exited their transport cages without hesitation and they are now free to thrive in their new lives in the rainforest.
Kejora is also an orphaned female orangutan who was rescued from a resident in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan back in 2016. She was found in a shocking condition, alone and bound by iron chains in a fertiliser warehouse. Kejora has successfully worked through all stages of her rehabilitation journey over the past 7 years. She is now 9 years old and has begun her new life as a true wild orangutan!
Syahrini is the daughter of Suja, a female orangutan who was released back in 2019. Syahrini has made amazing progress and has successfully completed all stages of her rehabilitation journey over the past 10 years. Susanne was rescued back in 2017, she has also completed her rehabilitation journey after 7 years at the sanctuary. Both Syahrini and Susanne have now been released back into the rainforest.
Each individual orangutan's story can be both sad and inspiring. These incredible animals, who have often suffered a great deal of trauma, would not have had the opportunity to thrive again in the wild if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of the BOSF, in collaboration with the Central and East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agencies who makes these incredible releases possible.
We hope all 10 orangutans enjoy their future living freely in the rainforest.
If you feel inspired to help make a difference to orangutan rehabilitation efforts in Borneo, join the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary as a volunteer today!
