Construction is in full swing at our Sumatran Orangutan Rescue Alliance (SRA) Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre in North Sumatra, where we're building a rainforest sanctuary for orangutans unable to return to the wild due to age, disability or the inability to adapt to living in the wild.
Despite facing challenges like relentless rain and even a nearby tiger our commitment to creating a safe haven for these incredible animals remains unwavering. Such challenges are part and parcel of working in a jungle environment!
One of our first residents will be Robert, a sub-adult male with a heart-wrenching history. Rescued in 2016 at seven years old, Robert had been kept as a pet, fed human foods, and isolated from other orangutans. Initially, at the Danau Alo Open Orangutan Sanctuary, Robert struggled to adapt, showing little interest in fruit, vegetables, or social interactions. He stayed mostly on the ground and relied entirely on trainers for food.
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In 2017, Robert was moved to the Sumatran Orangutan Reintroduction Centre (SORC) in Bukit Tigapuluh to learn from more experienced orangutans. Despite intensive monitoring, he continued to struggle with social interactions, climbing, and nest-building. His attempts to integrate with other orangutans often resulted in injuries, leading to his confinement for safety.
Robert’s story underscores the importance of our new sanctuary. The 1.5-hectare forested enclosure at the SRA Centre will provide a secure, enriching environment where orangutans like Robert can live outside of cages, enhancing their quality of life. Our master plan aims to accommodate up to twenty unreleasable orangutans.
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L: Aerial view of the first two enclosures; R: Trenches have been dug for the erection of fences.
While these orangutans may never experience the wild, they play a crucial role in conservation. Their offspring, with your support, will be released into the wild, contributing to the gene pool and the survival of the species.
The Sumatran Orangutan Rescue Alliance (SRA) is a partnership between The Orangutan Project, the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) and the Orangutan Information Centre (OIC). The Alliance owns and manages the SRA Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre in Besitang, North Sumatra.
Thank you to the Magnanti’s for their generous donation which has made the construction of this sanctuary possible. The sanctuary will be named the “Robert ‘Randy’ Magnanti Orangutan Sanctuary” in memory of their late son.