Gunawan on the day of his rescue
We are delighted to introduce you to our latest orangutan rescue, Gunawan!
Gunawan was found in a village on April 20, orphaned and alone. Though reported to be in a stable condition, infant orangutans are extremely vulnerable without a mother to care for them, and circumstances can change in a matter of moments. The team wasted no time.
After six hours of driving later along bumpy, winding roads, our staff arrived at the village along with BKSDA (the local governmental conservation agency). Gunawan was immediately seen to, his health assessed by the Foundation’s vet, Dr. Dimas, with all observations indicating the infant was fortunately in a good physical condition.
Gunawan’s initial health check
Gunawan owes his name to the oil-palm plantation worker that rescued him. Thankfully, following community outreach, there is increasing awareness of the correct reporting procedure to alert officials to an orangutan in need before it is too late. Nonetheless, the whereabouts of his mother are unknown - as if often the case when we rescue infants. With daylight fading and the drive back looming overhead, the team decided to stay overnight in the village with the infant before taking him back to base.
Gunawan in his transport basket on his way to the Foundation
The following day, Gunawan was transported back to the Foundation under constant monitoring by the veterinarians. After a safe journey, he is now at one our camps in Lamandau Wildlife Reserve, adjusting to his new surroundings and receiving the care he needs from our team.
Gunawan and his cuddly toy companion
It is estimated that Gunawan is around nine months old. Although in the early stages he will spend most of his time in his basket with his cuddly toy companion for security, he has shown that despite his young age he can already climb - who says orangutans need a teacher?! He has also shown an appetite for bananas and milk.
Gunawan’s first climb at Camp JL, Lamandau Wildlife Reserve
Though devastating that this young infant has been deprived of a natural upbringing in the wild, as with all the soft-release orangutans, we will provide Gunawan with the care he needs whilst he learns how to be an independent orangutan. With your support, Gunawan and all other soft-release members will hopefully one day return to a life in their natural habitat. We look forward to watching this youngster grow!
