The reconstruction of Island 6 is finally complete. After 5 months of hard work, we have installed a new platform for orangutans to rest on, as well as several rubber ropes and new barrels for them to play with.
The restoration of the 1.5 hectare (0,015 sq km2) outdoor island took sometime to finish as it was undertaken solely by the Samboja Lestari staff, without the support of professional contractors. So which new orangutans are going to live on this island? Let’s take a look!
Return of our Mascot - Bujang
January 16th2015 is a memorable day for Bujang. After having spent the last few months in an individual enclosure, he was released back onto the island on this day!
However, the transfer was not simple. First, Bujang had to be sedated and undergo a health examination. Then the logistics of moving a 80-kg orangutan is not an easy task and a whole team of technicians had to carry him across the moat which separates the island from the mainland.
Initially, upon waking, Bujang was extremely agitated and upset with his new surroundings. Being observed by humans, albeit to ensure his safe recovery from the anesthetic, did not make him any happier and he seemed quite irritated at being observed. Luckily this agitation did not last long and as he started to look around he slowly adapted to his new surroundings.
We hope you enjoy your new home, Bujang!
Anih
Anih was relocated to Island 6 a day before Bujang’s arrival. It was tough work for the technicians and medical team because she is known to be a very fiery individual. One technician even slipped and fell into the moat whilst trying to escape Anih’s wrath.
Island 6’s New Look (Photo credit: Diyan)
Island 6’s New Look (Photo credit: Diyan)
Island 6’s New Look (Photo credit: Diyan)
The team had to patiently wait for her to calm down before they could sedate her. Once tranquilized, the medical team quickly gave her an examination and prepared for the move. Anih has been moved to Island 6 from Island 0 which is being used to prepare other release candidates.
Care has been taken to move Anih and Bujang to different sides of Island 6 so they have their own space and this will minimize any risk of potential conflict. In time they should find a good friend in one another.
Welcome to your new home, Bujang and Anih!
The BOS Foundation, together with the KLHK and the BKSDA of Central Kalimantan will soon conduct the 44th orangutan release from the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre to the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR).
Every year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day to honour the planet that is home to us all.
It was a usual day at the Nyaru Menteng forest school, where young orangutans were learning from one another while their human surrogate mothers looked on from below.
