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