After years of rehabilitation at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project, three rescued orangutans have taken their first steps of freedom. Catherine, Dennis and Ames have been released from Samboja Lestari, beginning an exciting new chapter in the wild after overcoming some incredibly difficult starts to life.
Originally, four orangutans were due to make the journey, with Marlon also selected for release. However, he needed additional veterinary care and has remained at the rehabilitation centre while he recovers. The hope is that he'll be able to join his friends in the forest once he's fully recovered and has received medical clearance.
For Catherine, Dennis and Ames, this release marks the culmination of years of patience, specialist care and plenty of practice. Each has a very different story, but all three have demonstrated the natural instincts and survival skills needed to take on life in the forest.
Three Remarkable Journeys to Freedom
Ames
Rescued in 2016, Ames was separated from his mother during the devastating forest fires of 2015. After several unsuccessful attempts to reunite them, he was taken into a private home, where he was fed an unsuitable diet. At Samboja Lestari, he gradually rediscovered his natural behaviours, becoming a confident climber, skilled forager and accomplished nest-builder.
Dennis
Dennis and Catherine's stories highlight the devastating impact of keeping orangutans as pets. Rescued in 2018, Dennis had been confined to an empty house and fed nothing but bananas and water. With time, care and rehabilitation, he gradually regained his confidence, developing impressive natural foraging abilities and becoming a skilled nest-builder.
Catherine
Catherine arrived at the centre in 2019 after being kept in a cramped cage and fed only rice. Her recovery was made even more challenging by Air Sacculitis, a serious respiratory infection that required extensive medical care. With time and dedicated treatment, she overcame the illness and went on to develop impressive climbing and nest-building skills, spending much of her time high among the tree canopy.
Marlon
Marlon's story has taken a slightly different turn. Born unexpectedly at Samboja Lestari in 2015, he grew into a fiercely independent orangutan, much happier among the treetops than in the company of humans. During his time on the centre's pre-release island, he developed his climbing and foraging skills, often exploring alongside Catherine. Unfortunately, he wasn't quite ready to join this latest release and has remained at the centre for veterinary care. The team hopes he'll make a full recovery and receive medical clearance to begin his own journey back to the wild soon.
A Milestone for Orangutan Conservation
The release of Catherine, Dennis and Ames marks the 28th orangutan release from Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre. It's another important milestone in the ongoing effort to restore wild orangutan populations and protect the forests they depend on.
The operation was made possible through collaboration between the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, the Nusantara Capital City Authority, BKSDA East Kalimantan and the BOS Foundation. The foundation has also recognised the continued support of its international partners, organisations, corporate partners, individual donors, and volunteers, whose contributions help make its conservation and habitat protection work possible.
Of course, getting an orangutan ready for release takes far more than finding a suitable patch of forest. Years of rehabilitation help each individual rebuild the skills needed to survive independently, from finding natural food and constructing sleeping nests to navigating the canopy and adapting to life alongside other orangutans.
It's work that also relies on dedicated people behind the scenes. At Samboja Lestari, volunteers support the centre's ongoing work, learn about orangutan rehabilitation, and gain a closer understanding of the challenges facing these remarkable great apes. If you've ever dreamed of doing more than watching orangutans from afar, volunteering in Borneo offers a chance to contribute to conservation while experiencing the dedication that goes into giving rescued wildlife a second chance.
Be Part of the Story
The release of Catherine, Dennis and Ames is a wonderful reminder of what long-term conservation efforts can achieve. Their stories began with loss, uncertainty and, in some cases, years of unsuitable care. Today, they're beginning to write a very different chapter. Marlon's journey is still unfolding, too, and we hope to see him following in their footsteps before long.
Want to play a part in the work happening at Samboja Lestari? The Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project offers an opportunity to get closer to orangutan conservation in Borneo, learn from the people working to protect these incredible apes and make your time abroad mean a little more.
