Whilst the lockdown has meant that the BOS Foundation’s orangutan centres are closed to the public, it has in no way impeded the extremely important rehabilitation work from being undertaken. With a dedicated team living at both sites and caring for the orangutans around the clock, the lives of these great apes carry on in spite of the world’s unfortunate stand-still position.
In May, the team at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project had a mammoth and exciting task of moving Kopral, a one-armed orangutan from an enclosure to a new life on Island 3. Kopral is now a dominant 14-year-old male, who once arrived at the sanctuary in critical condition. After being electrocuted, both of his arms were left badly injured and almost rotting. The medical team at Samboja Lestari were left with no option but to amputate both arms, in order to save his life.
The following years saw Kopral progress through Forest School and evening ‘ruling’ over Group 2. Earlier this year, another dominant male Andreas, along with two other orangutans, were promoted from Group 1 to Group 2. The arrival of Andreas unsettled Kopral who immediately took a disliking to the newcomer. As the rivalry grew, the medical and welfare teams began discussions of moving Kopral onto an island, though they needed to carefully consider his disability.
It was decided that Kopral would move onto Island 3 with Lesley, a former friend of his from Group 2. Following the sedation process, he was transported by car from the Forest School grounds to the island complex. Due to Koprals’ size, it took seven staff members to collect his from Group 2’s grounds and accompany him on the 15 minutes transfer. Several technicians were ready and waiting with a boat at the river’s edge, once they had safely delivering him onto Island 3, they retreated and he slowly regained consciousness.
Sadly, due to Kopral’s physical disability he is unable to be released back into the wild, so the sanctuary will provide him with a forever home. He is now enjoying a new life in an open space that resembles his natural habitat, and has even mastered the ability to climb trees and forage naturally using only his legs! The technicians and medical team are very proud to see him develop into a somewhat independent orangutan, who is sure to live a happy and healthy life on the island.
A huge thank you to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation team for their incredible efforts and congratulations Kopral!
