Unfortunately, the majority of infant rescues share the same story – the fate of the mother remains an unsolved mystery.
Orangutan mothers look look after their offspring like a priceless treasure. The pair stay together for approximately 7-8 years until the child is ready to live independently.
Resident orangutan and her infant
With time, offspring learn from their mothers how to find food, build nests, navigate the canopies and avoid predators lurking in the forest. Mastering these skills is critical; adult orangutans live a mostly solitary life and must fend entirely for themselves in the wild. In this sense, by passing down their knowledge of the forest, orangutan mothers are integral to the growth and survival of this critically endangered species.
Resident orangutan feeding her infant
Unfortunately, some infants are denied the chance of this natural guidance and introduction to life. Many that we rescue are found alone - the mother nowhere to be seen - with locals denying any further knowledge of her whereabouts. Given the vulnerability of the young orangutans in these situations, it is essential that the response team act quickly to ensure the survival of the infant.
The latest orangutan to enter the care of Orangutan Foundation, however, came from a very unusual situation. At twelve-years-old, Amel is the oldest orphan to join the soft-release programme. The female was handover over to staff and BKSDA (the local governmental conservation agency) by a resident of East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan.
Amel in transport enclosure on her way to the Foundation
Amel had been kept as a pet in an enclosure in her owners garden since 2014. Despite living on a diet of bananas, porridge and milk – as she had been given since an infant – Amel is fortunately in good health. It is her age, however, that may pose implications; concerns lie in whether it may be too late for Amel to learn the forest skills required for an independent life.
Amel being handed over by her owners
After receiving a full health-check from the veterarians including treatment for a minor finger injury, Amel was transferred to Camp JL, Lamandau Wildlife Reserve, where she will hopefully learn how to be an independent orangutan. Once her wound has healed, Amel will spend time in the trees around camp to adjust to the new surroundings; she hasn’t spent time in the forest in approximately eleven years.
Amel receiving treatment for her finger injury
Orangutan infants less than one year old are never separated from their mothers in the wild because they are still breastfeeding at this age. This begs the question of what happened in situations such as Amel’s; when infants are found alone, we almost never discover the true fate of the mother.
Fortunately, the Community Outreach programme has been raising awareness of the need for conservation amongst local communities and has led to a reduction in required rescues of orphaned infants. As we commit to another 35 years of conservation in light of our 35th anniversary this year, we will continue this grassroots approach to protect the future of orangutans, forests and people.
