For years, there has been a law in Indonesia that prohibits trade in animals and possession of protected species. Nevertheless, the illegal animal trade remains a major problem.
The BOS Foundation supports the local forest police in the seizure of illegally held animals. These operations are dangerous: time and again, officials of the forest police are injured or even murdered by the animal dealers. In addition to orangutans, many other animals are also confiscated and placed in special sanctuaries.
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Rescue of a wild orangutan |
Since 1990 BOS has helped to save over 1500 orangutans and 60 sun bears. The seized animals are placed in one of BOS's two rehabilitation wards.
Currently, the stations Wanariset Samboja and Nyaru Menteng are working at more than their capacity with about 850 Orangutans.
In addition, BOS is frequently asked to save orangutans from oil palm plantations, which are now the biggest threat. Wild orangutans are relocated in suitable areas after a quarantine period.
Rehabilitation process
While in the two rehabilitation wards, the animals undergo a multi-trainings programme. The animals must learn all the skills needed to survive in the rainforest in freedom.
The rehabilitation process is dependent on age, history, personality and the development of the orangutans and therefore varies greatly with different individuals.
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Quarantine and hospital
Newly arrived orangutans in the rehabilitation wards are initially placed under a two-week quarantine.
In the clinic, they are examined, vaccinated and treated by veterinarians. Often the animals suffer from a variety of diseases such as tuberculosis or hepatitis. These diseases are often transmitted by people. Many animals are also infected with parasites and must be provided with medical care around the clock.
Fingerprints, nail, blood and hair samples are taken from each animal for genetic testing. A micro chip is placed under the skin for recognition.
Socialization
During the rehabilitation process, the orangutans undergo a certain "learning hierarchy".
They are divided into groups of age, size and maturity.
In the community, they learn social behaviour. For an orangutan it can be very depressing and certainly have serious consequences if he grows up with too dominant peers.
The very young orangutans are reared by human foster mothers. They get to know their physical strengths and skills and the advantage of special movement sequences with the help of the foster mother.
Intensive care and loving support are extremely important emotionally for the often traumatized orangutans.
In the "playground" the little ones learn to experiment with natural food and venture on their first climbing and nest-building attempts. In addition, the orangutans can visit nearby rain forest areas to get used to forest living.
Every day the orangutans are observed in the stations for several hours. Their behaviour is documented until the time comes for their reintroduction to the wild.
The youngest orangutans are supervised around the clock by human foster mothers. |
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