Last week, we introduced you to six orangutans preparing for release from Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre. Today, we're thrilled to share that this historic release mission was a resounding success!
After years, and in some cases, decades of dedicated rehabilitation, the orangutans embarked on their journey to freedom. Leaving behind the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project, they travelled more than 20 hours by land and water before being released on Earth Day, a poignant day to reach an amazing milestone in orangutan conservation.
Watch as Sie-Sie, Mikhayla, Bugis, Uli, Siti, and Mori take their first steps into their new wild home:
This release marked the 27th from the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre, the first since 2023. As a tradition, a special farewell celebration was held to send off the orangutans and the release team with best wishes for their journey.
This year's second group of volunteers had the incredible opportunity to witness this meaningful event and meet the new Minister of Forestry of Indonesia. Moments like these underscore how everyone, including volunteers, plays their part in making these releases possible.
Join us as a volunteer and see how you can make a difference in orangutan conservation by heading to the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project page - be part of something great!
A huge thank you to 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 for making this release possible.
