NEW LIFE FOR SUKAMARA AND KABAN

Together with her son Kaban, Sukamara has started a new chapter of her life on one of our pre-release islands, Palas. Returned to Indonesia by the Government of Thailand in 2006, Sukamara has lived in Nyaru Menteng for the past 8 years undergoing our rehabilitation program to regain her natural survival skills and behaviour. She was only six years old when she was repatriated to Indonesia making her now a 17 year old adult orangutan and also a mother! She gave birth to her son Kaban seven years ago and pair finally have the chance to live on Palas Island.
 

Sukamara and Kaban Departed for Palas

Sukamara and Kaban were moved to Palas Island from Nyaru Menteng II on May 6, 2014. The Nyaru Menteng Team started preparations for the move at nine in the morning and Kaban was the first to be sedated. Born in Nyaru Menteng II on January 10, 2007, this would be the first time that Kaban has been placed in a semi-wild environment. Naturally cared for by his mother for his entire life, he is healthy and very active and agile in climbing.  After being successfully sedated by vet Agus Fahroni, the 33 kg orangutan was then moved into a travel cage.

Sukamara was sedated next by technician Firman Togona. We estimated that Sukamara was born in 1997, and this would also be the first time since her original capture (presumably as a young infant) that she had the chance to live in a semi-wild situation on Palas Island.  Before being transported to Palas, the Medical Team conducted a final general health check on both mother and son.
 

New Life on the Island

Kaban regained consciousness on the way to Palas. He sat calmly inside the travel cage and peeked out through the holes. Meanwhile and upon waking, Sukamara didn’t look too happy and banged on the travel cage door several times.

Arriving at Palas Island, Sukamara had calmed. Several orangutans were around and watched the whole process of unloading Sukamara and Kaban. After her travel cage door was opened, Sukamara stepped out gingerly and looked around. Soon, she climbed the nearest tree and sat on a branch. Nody, one of male orangutans on Palas Island approached her and not long after they moved into the forest together

Kaban, meanwhile, looked a little dazed once he had stepped out of his transport cage. He then proceeded to roll around on the ground. When he tried to climb a tree, he fell but he tried again, succeeded and sat resting on a branch.

Kaban will experience some difficulties at first after living for so long in an enclosure, but seeing his confidence and courage, the Team are convinced he will be able to adapt quickly.

Our Team at Nyaru Menteng will continously observe Sukamara and Kaban’s development on Palas Island for at least a year. Their behaviour and natural skill development will decide when and if they will be able to be released into the wild. Let’s hope Sukamara and Kaban learn quickly from the other orangutans on the island and enjoy their new life on Palas!