Last month, we introduced you to Epeng - an infant orangutan handed over to our care from life as an illegal pet. A testament to the resilience of this incredible species, in his first few weeks at the Foundation Epeng has already shown us why orangutans are the ‘Forest Ape’.
Epeng’s first climb!
Epeng’s story began in the forest near an oil-palm plantation, where a villager found him alone without his mother. At his young age, orangutans are vulnerable and do not yet have the skills to survive independently; the individual that found Epeng immediately took him home.
It is unclear how long Epeng was kept by the resident but fortunately, with increased community outreach, there is now a wider-spread understanding of how to correctly report an orangutan in need. Once BKSDA (the governmental conservation agency) received the resident’s call, no time was wasted; a team was assembled to collect the young orangutan from the nearby village.
Epeng being handed over by owners
Once Epeng’s health-check gave the all clear, he was brought back to Camp Rasak, Lamandau Wildlife Reserve, where he has joined the soft-release programme for orphaned orangutans. Here, he will learn how to survive independently so that he can one day be released into the wild.
Epeng receiving his health check
Epeng is very brave for an infant; he never cries - as is often the case for young orangutans adjusting to their new surroundings. The exception to this is immediately after a carer leaves him once he has been fed, but this is expected, as in the wild Epeng would be close by his mother’s side for many years to come.
Epeng is also very active; he loves to play in his large enclosure, already learning to break branches and arrange them on his enrichment hammock – promising signs that he may be an avid nest-builder one day!
Epeng’s first climb
Arguably the biggest milestone for Epeng was in mid-August when he had his very first climb! His carers put him in a small tree near camp and – after only a moment of hesitation – Epeng clambered up the trunk into the branches above, exuding the confidence of a well-versed climber. Not a bad first attempt!
Epeng foraging for leaves
If climbing wasn’t enough, Epeng even began using his hands-like-feet for added agility and foraging for leaves and ants. It is truly spectactular to see such a young orangutan transition with ease into these behaviours despite being denied of a natural upbrining – climbing is evidently instinctive for the only arboreal great ape.
Epeng's story is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect orangutans and their habitat. His journey toward release back into the wild is just beginning. Given what we’ve seen already, we are very optimistic about this youngsters future!
