CANDIDATES FOR THE 28th ORANGUTAN RELEASE FROM SAMBOJA LESTARI

The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of East Kalimantan, and the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation are preparing for the 28th orangutan release from the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre into the Kehje Sewen Forest, an ecosystem managed by PT. Restorasi Habitat Orangutan Indonesia (PT. RHOI). Here are the candidates:

  • Marlon (Born 13 November 2015) 

Marlon was born at Samboja Lestari to his mother, Merin (an ex-circus orangutan), and his father, Gino. Unlike his mother, Marlon grew up independent and always avoids humans with a kiss-squeak, the typical warning sign orangutans use to express displeasure. On Pre-release Island 7, he was a skilled canopy explorer with his island mate Catherine and highly adapted at foraging for natural food.

  • Ames (Rescued 24 September 2016) 

Ames was rescued at 1–2 years old from a resident’s house in South Sangatta following the 2015 forest fires and after his mother rejected him. Despite being kept by humans and experiencing trauma, Ames grew into a bright student at Forest School. On Island 7, his wild instincts fully recovered; he is skilled at climbing, nest building, and foraging independently.

Marlon is one of the candidates in our 28th release from Samboja Lestari. We couldn’t be happier for him.

  • Dennis (Rescued 14 September 2018) 

Was rescued by BKSDA Samarinda at 2–3 years old from being illegally kept in an empty house by a resident in Bengalon. After overcoming this trauma, Dennis became a highly intelligent individual on Island 7. He recorded the highest percentage of natural food foraging and is the most proficient at building nests among his peers.

  • Catherine (Rescued 29 June 2019)

Catherine was rescued from Muara Badak at age 4. Due to improper keeping by a resident and having suffered from Air Sacculitis (air sac infection), Catherine temporarily grew defensive. After fully recovering and remaining relapse-free for 3 years, she is now skilled at building nests high in the tree canopy and actively consuming natural food.

These four orangutans have proven their independence on Island 7 by excelling at foraging for natural food, building nests and socialising, making them ready to return to their true home in the 86,000-hectare Kehje Sewen Forest Ecosystem Restoration area.

Way to go, Marlon, Ames, Dennis and Catherine. We can’t wait to see you thrive in your true wild home!

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