Two rehabilitated orangutans released into national park

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Forestry Ministry has released two orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) that completed rehabilitation at Betung Kerihun National Park, West Kalimantan.

"The two orangutans were rescued in poor condition and have undergone years of rehabilitation," Head of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Murlan Dameria Pane noted in a statement received in Jakarta, Saturday.

"Now, after being declared healthy and demonstrating natural behavior, such as good locomotion skills, recognizing various types of natural foods, and having nest-building skills, they are prepared to return to their natural habitat in the forest," she remarked.

He explained that Bondan and Joss, both aged 7, are female orangutans rescued by the West Kalimantan BKSDA officers.

Bondan was rescued in March 2022 from Bernayau Village, Sintang, in a malnourished condition and worm infection, while Joss was rescued in July 2019 from Nanga Kasai Village, Melawi, at a very young age and with a broken right arm.

The two protected animals then underwent rehabilitation at the Jerora YPOS Forest School to regain the basic skills needed to survive independently in the wild.

To move the two orangutans to their new habitat, the team undertook a long journey by land and water.

The journey began at Jerora Forest School in Sintang, traveling eight hours by a four-wheeled vehicle to Putussibau, followed by a three-hour boat ride to the Mentibat Release Station.

The release marks the 16th stage since 2017, with a total of 36 orangutans released, including one from a translocation.

The release involved not only the Forestry Ministry but also traditional leaders, conservation cadres in the surrounding area, volunteer teachers from Nanga Hovat, and student interns at the national park.

Head of the Betung Kerihun and Sentarum Lake National Park Center Sadtata Noor Adirahmanta emphasized the importance of adopting an inclusive and collaborative conservation approach.

So far, wildlife conservation efforts have often been seen as the government's responsibility without sufficient opportunities for broader participation.

"It is time for us to move forward together, inviting the community and various parties to get involved in conservation and foster collective concern," Adirahmanta stated.