Six orangutans are set to be released from the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project. For some, it’s their very first taste of true freedom since they were babies. For others, it’s a well-earned second chance after a few setbacks and some additional care and recovery. Each orangutan carries a story as unique as their personality, and their paths remind us that rehabilitation is rarely linear but always worthwhile. Meet the remarkable candidates for the 27th orangutan release below and join us in celebrating their inspiring stories from rehab to rainforest!
Newbies Set for Release
SIE-SIE | Male | 31
Sie-Sie is 31 years old and finally ready for release, a moment nearly three decades in the making! He first arrived at the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre in August 1996 as a tiny, vulnerable orangutan barely 2 years old. Confiscated in a village in Semarang, Sie-Sie was brought to Samboja Lestari to begin his rehabilitation journey.
When he first arrived, his soft, delicate features led many to believe he was female. But as he grew, both his behaviour and the appearance of his impressive cheek pads made it clear he was a dominant male. Over the years, Sie-Sie has made remarkable progress, especially in essential survival skills like nest-building. Now, after nearly 29 years of care and learning, Sie-Sie is ready for the next chapter.
MIKHAYLA | Female | 10
At 10 years old, Mikhayla is the youngest member of this release group. Her story is particularly interesting as she was rescued in January of this year near the busy Sangatta–Bengalon highway. Mikhayla was found dangerously close to traffic, severely malnourished and visibly stressed; her situation was critical. Thanks to the swift collaboration of the East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Kaltim), the BOS Foundation (BOSF), the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP), and the Conservation Action Network (CAN), Mikhayla was brought to safety and transported to the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre.
After receiving immediate veterinary care, including nutritional support, deworming, and round-the-clock monitoring, Mikhayla's three-month recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary. Stronger, healthier, and full of spirit, she is now ready to leave her past behind and begin a new life in the Kehje Sewen Forest.
BUGIS | Male | 33
Bugis, a 33-year-old male, is one of this release group's most commanding individuals. He arrived in BOSF care in July 2003 from Ujung Pandang, estimated to be around 10 or 11 years old at the time. Even then, his strong-willed and assertive personality stood out.
Due to his dominant nature, Bugis was placed in the Socialisation Complex, where he received tailored care and enrichment from the dedicated BOSF team and volunteers. While he often showed aggression toward other orangutans, including signs of dominant mating behaviour, his interactions with human caregivers have always been calm and cooperative, showing a different side of his complex character. Now, after 22 years of rehabilitation, Bugis is ready. With strength, confidence, and years of experience behind him, he'll join his peers as they step back into the wild.
Second Time Around Re-releases
ULI | Male | 28
Uli is no stranger to the forest or the BOS Foundation's care! Originally part of the rehabilitation program at an old research station after his rescue in 1998, Uli was released in 1999. But years later, Uli reappeared in an unexpected place, Loesan Village. In June 2022, he was rescued once more after videos surfaced online showing him being fed by villagers. The images of him accepting bananas, jackfruit, and even canned milk raised concern, triggering a swift response from the BOSF team.
Since his return to the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre, Uli has spent three years rebuilding his natural instincts. Having demonstrated the necessary survival skills, Uli is ready to be released deeper into the rainforest and, hopefully, this time for good.
SITI | Female | 35
Siti, a 35-year-old female, was first released by BOSF way back in 1997; she was later relocated to another forest to continue her life in the wild. But in December 2022, Siti re-entered the rehabilitation program, decades after her first release. Her return was prompted by reports from logging employees who had observed an orangutan repeatedly visiting their worksite and interacting with staff over several days.
The BOS Foundation team quickly responded and successfully rescued Siti. After a period of health checks and rehabilitation, this experienced orangutan is now ready to make her return to the forest, where she can finally reclaim the freedom she has always deserved.
MORI | Female | 16
Mori has already experienced more than most at 16 years old. She was rescued as a young orphan after a brief time in Kutai National Park and arrived at Samboja Lestari in February 2012. Approximately 2–3 years old and without her mother, Mori faced a difficult start to life. Despite the odds, she grew into an independent orangutan, known for her quiet nature and clear preference to keep her distance from humans. In 2019, she was released, where she began her life in the wild.
Unfortunately, her time there was cut short when she developed melioidosis, a serious bacterial infection that required medical treatment. Mori was brought back to the centre for care and recovery. Now, fully healed and ready once more, she is preparing to return to the place she truly belongs - the forest she once called home.
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This release is thanks to the hard work and unwavering commitment of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of East Kalimantan, with support from Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP). We look forward to sharing updates on their release at a later date. In the meantime, head over to the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project page and find out how you can help pave the way for orangutans to return to their rightful homes!
