I recently returned from an inspiring visit to our BORA rescue centre in East Kalimantan.
Team photo with the fabulous orangutan sculpture
It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new staff members, all deeply committed to orangutan welfare and conservation. The team’s dedication is truly remarkable—they’re always eager to learn and improve. During my visit, we talked about orangutan behaviour and care, exploring new ways to enhance our work at the centre.
One of the highlights of my trip was attending Baby Jungle School with Harapi, Arto, and Cinta. Since my last visit in November, Harapi and Cinta have grown so much in confidence. It was a joy to see them happily playing with Arto in the canopy. Despite their newfound independence, these young ones still keep a close eye on their carers, and little Harapi and Arto continue to receive milk several times a day.
I’m excited to share that construction on the Baby House is progressing well, with completion expected in the next couple of months. This new facility will provide a warm and nurturing environment for our baby orangutans when they’re not exploring at Jungle School. It’s a crucial addition for their growth and development, offering them a comfortable space to rest and receive care from our dedicated team.
I was also able to spend time with the older Jungle School students, including Popi, Bagus, Charlotte, Aman, and Jainul. It was heartwarming to see them playfully wrestling and showing off their impressive forest survival skills. This video of Charlotte, Aman and Jainul playing always makes me smile.
Their advanced climbing, playful acrobatics, and foraging abilities, including their knack for accessing the juicy flesh of spiky rotan stems, were a delight to witness.
Thank you so much to our incredible supporters. It’s your commitment and generosity that make it possible for us to run our vital BORA rescue centre and Jungle School programs, giving these precious orangutans a second chance at forest freedom.
Kylie Bullo, Conservation Project Manager
