3 Baby Orangutans Rescued Already in 2021

Posted by Georgia Wilson on 8th Apr 2021

The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) has started the year with a number of success stories from the 10 adult orangutans released in February to the recent rescue of 3 baby orangutans. The 3 infants, Onyar, Ramangai and one who is yet to be named, were rescued from captive situations in Central Kalimantan and are now recuperating and residing at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary.

Onyer

The Central Kalimantan BKSDA’s wildlife rescue team (otherwise known as the Nature Resources Conservation Agency) confiscated 10-month-old Onyer from a nearby village. The resident keeping him had claimed to have found Onyer alone in a forest area close to his land.

Upon arrival at Nyaru Menteng, Onyer was immediately examined and is currently being treated for mild flu, receiving medical attention around the clock. Understandably, he was very nervous on his first day and was unsettled during the night but thankfully, he has a good appetite and enjoys his milk and fruit. Onyer has started playing on the swing and has been climbing low on the enrichment infrastructure in his enclosure. He is currently in quarantine and will soon join the orangutan nursery group, this is the beginning of the long rehabilitation process that will hopefully lead to his future release back into the wild.

Ramangai

A local villager reported having 6-month-old Ramangai in his care, after finding him in the forest whilst he was hunting for birds. During his hunt, he said he was suddenly shocked to see a baby orangutan fall from a tree and that the mother was nowhere to be seen. The villager said he was unsure of what to do, he knew that orangutans were protected by law and said he could not bring himself to leave the infant behind, as he felt sorry for him.

Deep within s forested area, the villager claimed to have carried Ramangai for three days to bring him home, feeding him coffee and bananas during this period, which resulted in Ramangai becoming severely dehydrated and weak. Once home, the villager gave him sweetened condensed milk in hopes to improve his health, he then reported the infant to the Central Kalimantan BKSDA. The rescue team alongside members of Nyaru Menteng staff travelled for seven hours to reach the village on March 1st.

Travelling back to the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary, Ramangai needed IV fluids as he was extremely weak. After two days of treatment, his IV drip was removed as he was fully rehydrated, though he is still weathering a mild fever which is being closely monitored by the veterinary team. After the trauma he has suffered, he is understandably restless, but he has started to sit quietly in a basket with the surrogate mothers for comfort.

Baby Yet To Be Named

Just two weeks ago, yet another baby had been handed over to Nyaru Menteng by the BKSDA’s wildlife rescue team. The 9-month-old female was discovered by a farmer who had claimed to have found her whilst out fishing. He took care of her for approximately one week, feeding her a diet of powdered milk before voluntarily handing her over to the BSKDA.

Upon her arrival at the sanctuary, she was examined and found to be in relatively good health. She has a strong appetite and favours milk and bananas over other fruits. Currently, she, Onyer and Ramangai are in quarantine as they undergo a few more tests before they can join the nursery group.

All three babies have had a traumatic start to life but are now in the care of the dedicated and wonderful BOSF team. They will start the long road of rehabilitation and learn the vital skills they need for them to hopefully return to their rightful home, the forests of Indonesia. We look forward to bringing you updates on their rehabilitation and what this adorable 9-month-old’s name will be!

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Wilkins Karen commented 4 months ago

How about naming the little girl “Hope”

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Nita Hagan commented 1 year ago

Do these people really find these babies or do they buy them on the black market?

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James commented 1 year ago

Great job!

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