MOZA’S JOURNEY FROM KUWAIT TO MOTHERHOOD ON KAJA ISLAND
On September 13, 2015, a two-year-old female orangutan began a long journey back to Indonesia. The young orangutan was later named Moza.
Just like humans, orangutans go through various life stages: from infancy and childhood to adolescence and adulthood. Each phase is marked by distinct characteristics and behavioural changes. Adolescence is one of the most fascinating stages, as orangutans begin learning how to live independently, gradually separating from their mothers and exploring the forest on their own.
In Bukit Batikap Protection Forest, Central Kalimantan, our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team has observed a particularly outstanding teenage orangutan. This young individual is the third offspring of Inung also Indro's older sibling, a long-term resident female orangutan in the forest. Based on observations, Indie is estimated to be around 6 years old. A critical age when orangutans begin developing their independence.
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With a still-small body size, Indie is incredibly agile, swiftly moving between tree branches. The PRM team often finds it challenging to track her in the dense canopy due to her speed. To monitor his behaviour more effectively, they frequently rely on binoculars and camera equipment.
Various natural behaviours have been recorded during observation. The orangutan eagerly feeds on young leaves, flowers, and even tree bark. She also travels between trees using all four limbs to swing and climb with demonstrating classic orangutan arboreal skills. At one interesting moment, Indie also slept separately from Inung and made a nest close to her mother and brother.
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As a wild-born individual, this adolescent orangutan exhibits completely natural behaviours. She has learned everything directly from her mother, Inung, and her surrounding environment. There has been no human intervention in her upbringing, allowing her to develop survival skills instinctively and authentically within his natural habitat.
The presence of this young orangutan is a hopeful symbol for conservation. It proves that when forests are protected and habitats remain intact, orangutans can grow up healthy, learn naturally, and give rise to a new generation of resilient wild individuals. Every movement she makes in the treetops reflects a future made possible by conservation. A future where humans and nature coexist in balance.
On September 13, 2015, a two-year-old female orangutan began a long journey back to Indonesia. The young orangutan was later named Moza.
In the Tuanan Research Station, wild male orangutans move through the canopy with remarkable strength and grace. Among them is Dayak: a majestic flanged male whose broad cheek pads signal maturity, dominance, and excellent health.
Roy, a young male orangutan estimated to be around two years old, is now undergoing rehabilitation at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Central Kalimantan.
