We are devastated to hear the news that unfortunately, Happi has since passed away due to a venomous snake bite. :(

Happi was originally confiscated by the BKSDA (Nature Conservation Agency of Indonesia), in Bontang city in East Kalimantan. The APE Guardian rescue team from the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) drove 12 hours to reach him at the BKSDA office in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan. Happi came from Kutai National Park in East Kalimantan. He was estimated to be approximately 10-12 months old when he was rescued.

Happi was taken to the COP Borneo Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in East Kalimantan. Blood tests revealed he had Hepatitis B and malaria. He spent two months in quarantine where he was given intensive care to regain his health and strength. Poor Happi became quite ill on two occasions during his quarantine period but in November 2016 he was able to move to the socialisation cage where he began to make friends with other orangutans. Happi’s favourite food is papaya.

Happi commenced forest school shortly after he was moved to the socialisation area. At first, he was very nervous and would cry when he was taken to the forest. A baby orangutan would normally have their mother to teach them and give them confidence in the forest. Happi proved to be a tough little cookie and within a week he was leaving the babysitters and climbing into the canopy. Happi appears to be quite comfortable spending time by himself and doesn’t rely on other orangutans; however, he does like to play with other orangutans at times.

In positive news, Happi can build a basic nest by patting down twigs, branches, and leaves. He becomes sleepy after being out at forest school for a while- after all, it is a big effort! The forest school babysitters find it hard to get Happi to go back in the cage in the evening after being out in the forest, showing just how much Happi enjoys his forest outings.

Little Harapi was rescued by our Bornean Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in June 2023. He was being held illegally in Long Gie Village in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. The BORA team received information about Harapi in the morning of 12 June 2023 and immediately set off to investigate. Upon arrival, they discovered that Harapi had been kept as a family pet for approximately one month. He was dressed in baby clothes and was wearing a necklace.

To our BORA rescue centre, approximately a three-hour drive away. Harapi was given a thorough examination and estimated to be approximately 10 months old. Thankfully, he was in reasonable health. Being so young, Harapi required constant care from the orangutan and veterinary staff. He was also given a large soft toy and blankets to cuddle.

Harapi settled into the BORA centre well. He loves to go outside and explore the baby playground and forest and has a voracious appetite. He was given the name Harapi as it means ‘hope’ in Indonesian. Precious Harapi can now begin a new life with us at our BORA rescue centre with renewed hope for a better future. With your support, our staff will give him years of care and Jungle School to ensure he has the best possible chance to return to and thrive in the wild where he belongs.

ASTO AND ASIH were rescued by our Sumatran Rescue Alliance (SRA) and local BKSDA (Nature Conservation Agency) in April 2021. They were being held illegally at a suburban home on the Indonesian island of Java. After their confiscation, medical checks, and rest, they were flown to Sumatra with members of the SRA and then driven to the SRA centre in North Sumatra.

Asto was estimated to be approximately four years old, and Asih two years old when they were rescued. Asto weighed 7kg and Asih 5kg. Asto is quite dominant over Asih; however, she is quite patient when little Asih takes her food. They both love watermelon and bananas and dislike sweet potatoes. They absolutely love milk; however, they can both tell if any medicine has been mixed with their favourite foods or milk.

Asto and Asih have commenced Jungle School together in the forested grounds of the SRA rescue centre. They both enjoy playing and climbing in the young trees which is very encouraging for the beginning of their rehabilitation journey. The carers need to use milk to coax the girls back to them so they can return to the safety of their enclosure overnight.