THE 47TH RELEASE CANDIDATES FROM NYARU MENTENG

The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (BTNBBBR), and the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation will soon conduct the 47th orangutan release from the Nyaru Menteng orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR). Here are the candidates for the orangutans to be released:

1. Himba
Himba is a male orangutan who was surrendered by the residents of Takaras, Palangkaraya City, Central Kalimantan. He arrived at the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre on 2 October 2011, without his mother. At that time, he was estimated to be only 5–6 months old and weighed 3.3 kilograms.

When Himba arrived at Nyaru Menteng, his condition was very concerning. He had been found in a forest fire area with burn injuries across most of his body. Fortunately, Himba had strong endurance and survived the critical period, recovering very well.

After being declared fully recovered, Himba joined Forest School on 5 March 2014. His learning process continued until he entered the pre-release stage on Bangamat Island on 18 February 2019. During rehabilitation, Himba was known to be easily disturbed by humans and other orangutans. He is also an active explorer and highly skilled at finding natural food sources.

Now, after 14 years of rehabilitation, Himba is 15 years old and ready to begin his new life as a wild orangutan in his natural habitat, Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park.

2. Nett (Otong)
Nett is a male orangutan who local residents initially surrendered to the Protect Our Borneo (POB) Foundation and, the following day, was handed over to the BOS Foundation for rehabilitation. Nett arrived at Nyaru Menteng on 31 July 2018, estimated to be around 3 years old and weighing 10.6 kilograms.

After undergoing a series of medical examinations, Nett progressed very well throughout his rehabilitation. On 28 July 2023, he entered the final stage of his learning process by being moved to a pre-release island. There, Nett became known as a sociable individual who has developed strong skills in independently finding natural food sources.

Now, after approximately 6 years of rehabilitation, Nett is 11 years old. With his wild instincts and independence developed during his time at Nyaru Menteng and the pre-release island, he is now ready to be released into his natural habitat in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park.

After nearly 22 years of rehabilitation, 23-year-old Lykke is ready to begin her new life as a wild orangutan.

3. Lykke
Lykke arrived at Nyaru Menteng together with her mother, Lido, who had been rescued from Parenggean, East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, on 29 August 2003. At that time, Lykke was still very young—around one month old—and weighed only 1.3 kilograms.

Upon arrival at the rehabilitation centre, Lykke had an injury on her arm that required intensive medical treatment, so she had to be temporarily separated from her mother. Unfortunately, after Lykke recovered, her mother rejected her and refused to reunite. Based on this condition, it was decided that Lykke would continue the rehabilitation process independently alongside other orangutans her age to learn survival skills.

Lykke’s rehabilitation journey continued until she entered the pre-release stage on Salat Island on 5 April 2017. During her time on the island, Lykke was known as a solitary individual who tended to avoid direct interaction with humans. Despite her solitary nature, she demonstrated excellent skills in finding natural food.

Now, after nearly 22 years of rehabilitation, Lykke is 23 years old. With well-developed instincts and independence, she is ready to begin her new life as a wild orangutan in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park.

4. Farida
Farida is a female orangutan rescued from Tumbang Samba, Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. She arrived at Nyaru Menteng on 5 August 2011, when she was approximately 3.5 to 4 years old and weighed 11 kilograms.

After completing the Forest School stages, Farida was moved to the pre-release island on Bangamat Island on 5 December 2019. Due to her excellent exploration skills and several observations of her crossing island boundaries, Farida was later transferred to Kaja Island on 3 September 2021.

In her new environment, Farida proved to adapt very well. She developed into an individual who enjoys exploring, can defend herself when necessary, and is highly skilled at finding natural food sources.

Now, at the age of 19, after approximately 15 years of rehabilitation, Farida is ready to live freely and will soon begin her life as a wild orangutan in her natural habitat, Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park.

5. Semeru
Semeru is a female orangutan rescued from Palangkaraya City, Central Kalimantan. She arrived at Nyaru Menteng on 26 September 2012, at around 3–3.5 years old, weighing 15.2 kilograms, without her mother.

After completing rehabilitation, Semeru entered the pre-release stage on Kaja Island on 4 March 2019. Semeru is known as a non-aggressive orangutan who prefers to avoid encounters with humans and has developed strong skills in finding natural food independently.

Now 17 years old, after approximately 13 years of rehabilitation, Semeru is ready to explore her new home in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park and live as a true wild orangutan.

Stay tuned as we follow Semeru, Farida, Himba, Lykke and Nett on their journey towards freedom!