THE JOURNEY OF SIX ORANGUTANS TO FREEDOM IN TNBBBR

On November 10, 2024, six orangutans were released back into the wild from the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre to the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR). Preparation for this release were undertaken with careful attention to detail, as our medical team and technicians worked tirelessly to ensure the six orangutan candidates were in stable health. Sedation and transfer to transport cages marked the first steps in the orangutans' return to freedom.

Read also: CANDIDATES FOR THE 44th ORANGUTAN RELEASE FROM NYARU MENTENG

Land Journey with Set Stops

That evening, the release team held a briefing to carefully organise each stage of the trip, ensuring that all logistics were in place and that each role was well–defined. Thorough planning was essential as the team travelled by land and river to reach the orangutans' release points safely.

The first stop was the SPTN II Kasongan Office, where our team processed the permit to enter the conservation area (SIMAKSI). In addition, we conducted wellness checks on the orangutans and provided them with enrichment, including water and fresh fruit, to keep them hydrated and energized. After that, we continued our journey toward Tumbang Hiran Village, stopping every two hours to ensure the comfort and well-being of the orangutans throughout the journey.

River Journey to the Release Point

At 2:30 a.m., the team reached the ferry crossing at Tumbang Hiran Village, where they took a brief rest before beginning the river journey. At 6:00 a.m., the transport cages were loaded onto a kelotok—a motorized boat that would carry them to their release points along the Hiran watershed. Throughout the journey, the team continuously monitored the orangutans to ensure they remained calm and healthy.

The Release Process Begins in TNBBBR

After a six-hour river journey, the team arrived at the first release point, where the cages for Jengyos and Bejo were opened. Eager to explore, both orangutans ventured into the forest. Jengyos enjoyed social interactions with Bejo, wrestling and playing on the ground. Meanwhile, Bejo spent most of his time eating before beginning to build a nest as rain started to fall.

The team proceeded to the second release point to open Meryl and Blegi's cages. Initially cautious, the two soon began to explore their new surroundings. Blegi started his adventure by chasing Meryl as they adjusted to their habitat. Meryl spent most of her time relaxed, moving through the trees and enjoying the young leaves. Both were observed engaging in social interactions and copulated, later building nests near each other about 150 meters from the river.

At the final release point, the cages for Runtu and Happy were opened. Happy immediately displayed active behaviour, gathering with Runtu and engaging in copulation. The two orangutans were later seen chewing sap from tree trunks—a sign of their natural adaptation skills. As the day progressed, Runtu made several grunt vocalisations, indicating his presence in the new environment. Both orangutans enthusiastically embraced their newfound freedom, showcasing their natural skills in adapting to the forest environment.

Read also: HOW DO ORANGUTANS ‘TALK’?

Evaluation Meeting: A New Beginning for Six Orangutans in the Wild

This 44th orangutan release concluded with an evaluation meeting at 7:10 p.m. upon the team's arrival at the Himba Pambelum Monitoring Camp. This evaluation meeting allowed the release and Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) teams to review the orangutans’ immediate health and plan the next steps for ongoing monitoring. Everyone involved is hopeful that these six orangutans will thrive in their natural habitat, marking another milestone and renewed hope for the conservation of orangutans in the wild.