Gunawan, the baby orangutan who entered our care last April, has reached his first very milestone in the soft-release programme – he has begun climbing! Though it took him more time than others to attempt the skill, this week, when placed in his learning tree, Gunawan shuffled up the trunk as if he had been doing it all along.
Gunawan, September 2025
Each day, Borneo’s morning sun gently rises above the forest below, its rays searching for gaps in the dense canopy through which it can cast its golden beams. With greetings of birdsong and the sounds of the jungle, it is time for staff at Camp JL, Lamandau Wildlife Reserve to take Gunawan to the forest for learning - before the heat of the day sets in.
Lamandau Wildlife Reserve (by Ian Wood)
Still too young for the forest’s older, towering trees, Gunawan is gently carried to a quiet patch of Ubar trees behind camp, where branches swaying in the breeze weave soft shadows on the ground. It is here that the young orangutan begins his journey toward becoming wild once more.
In the beginning, each new day would go more or less the same; Gunawan was hesitant when placed in the smallest tree. He often sat quietly against the tree trunk, observing his new surroundings with wide and curious eyes. But even then, a spark of silent courage could be seen flickering within.
Gunawan, September 2025
“This is completely normal,” said Ari, the coordinator of Camp JL. “Orphans need time to feel safe again. The time depends on each individual, it could be a short time or a long time. One thing that is certain, for orangutans, trees are more than just a place to play - they are home. They are shelter, comfort, and the first promise of safety they can trust - after their mother of course.”
Every small step that Gunawan took became a reason to celebrate. Slowly, he began exploring the tree, his movements growing steadier with each attempt. Erik, one of Gunawan’s carers described it as “like watching your own child take their first steps; so exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The only difference is that Gunawan is learning how to be an orangutan again.”
To the surprise of the staff, Gunawan has even begun foraging for leaves and ants – this is incredible considering that in the wild, he would be completely dependent on his mother for food for the next few years. A life in the trees is evidently instinctive for the forest ape.
Gunawan foraging for fruits, September 2025
From life as a pet - denied the chance of a natural upbringing – to having a second chance at life in the wild, Gunawan is slowly growing into a confident young orangutan. With his skills continuing to improve each day, he is steadily making his way towards a life in his natural habitat. We look forward to his journey.
