Selfie

Selfie was just 10 months old when she arrived at our Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre in August 2024. Before her rescue, a local resident had kept the tiny infant as a pet for about a month.  

Although Selfie’s physical health was relatively stable, her facial expressions often revealed signs of anxiety. The surrogate mothers provided dedicated care and affection, helping Selfie feel secure and begin rebuilding trust in her environment. 

After her quarantine, Selfie gradually joined the daily Forest School activities. At first, she interacted frequently with Rumba, another baby orangutan who became her playmate. Fortunately, when Rumba was promoted to a larger group, Selfie quickly found a new friend: Nia. 

One of Selfie’s unique traits is her habit of placing a leaf in her mouth and keeping it there for a long time. This quirky behaviour often brings smiles to her caregivers’ faces.  

At the end of each Forest School day, Selfie often clings tightly to her surrogate mother, as if asking to be carried back to the nursery complex. 

Selfie still has a long emotional journey ahead. But with the loving support of her caregivers, nursery companions and you, we are confident that the little female will slowly learn to navigate life as a resilient young orangutan.