New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Posted by Beth Mills on 24th Feb 2023

Habitat loss is a real threat to the future of orangutans, and in Indonesia, they are often killed as land is cleared. As a result, infant orangutans frequently become orphans or victims of the illegal pet trade. Recently, a female baby orangutan named Iqo, was rescued and taken to the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary, after a resident from Tumbang Kajamei village in Central Kalimantan travelled over four hours by motorcycle to kindly get her to the sanctuary.

Rescued Orangutan

Upon arrival, an examination was carried out by the veterinary team who determined her age was around 12 months. She was severely dehydrated and exhausted having allegedly been kept as a pet for five months and fed a diet of just rice.

Often when orangutans are kept as pets, they are not fed the correct diet which consequently leads to many of them being severely malnourished when rescued. This can further lead to severe health complications. Following a two-month quarantine, and after passing all her medical tests, little Iqo joined a small Forest School group at the sanctuary where she got off to a great start!

It is currently rainy season in Indonesia, so Iqo is enjoying playing in the mud pits and puddles. She eats all the fruits given to her at the sanctuary including watermelon, bananas and melons. She also loves to gobble leaves, bark, tubers, and corn. She is growing more self-sufficient every day and loves climbing tall trees. Her surrogate mothers now describe her as an independent, solitary orangutan.

Baby Orangutan Tree Climbing

Iqo still has a long way to go before she can be released back into the wild, and this is just the start of her journey! 

Orangutan in Tree

Make sure to check out our blog in future to see updates on little Iqo's progress at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary.


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Blog Arcticles


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

10 More Orangutans Released Back Into The Wild From Nyaru Menteng!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary May Update

The Great Projects volunteer coordinators, Matt and Niamh,...

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Latest At The Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

The Great Projects' volunteer coordinators Matt and Niamh...

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

Volunteer Update From Samboja In April 2023

As the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project begins once again...

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge’s Experience at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary

Inge volunteered at the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary in...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987