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.
Conducting forest patrols is one of the most important tasks our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) teams undertake daily in the forest. Our team from Camp Nles Mamse, in the southern part of the Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan, makes regular patrols along transects with steep terrain in order to locate and observe released orangutans.
Travelling in the Kehje Sewen Forest is always challenging: There are steep hills and cliffs to climb, as well as deep valleys to descend. Our team members often have to navigate these areas while carefully choosing which tree trunks to cling to and precisely selecting where to place their next step. However, as challenging it may be, they know something exciting awaits ahead.
Following a difficult trek, our team members usually look forward to arriving at the river bank. The sound and sight of clear, running water is extremely soothing to the body and soul. Time spent at the river bank also involves refilling water bottles: river water in the forest is often clean enough to drink! The river is usually so clear, you can see sand, rocks, and small fish swimming along the bed.
In the forest, rivers are used as transportation routes and, in certain areas where the forest vegetation is too thick, crossing the obstacle via river by boat is often the best option. The river bank is a great place to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch brought from camp. Relaxing by the river, in the middle of the forest, makes one realise just how extraordinarily beautiful nature is. It is hard to describe in words.
The beauty and peaceful ambience of the river erases exhaustion and reenergises the team as they continue on with their day’s activities. This is one of the many moments that make our PRM team members so happy to work here.
Let’s protect the forest and the clean waters running in its rivers, for all mankind!
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.
