A NEW STAGE AT FOREST SCHOOL
At the end of 2024, Baimah and Feruza advanced to Forest School Level 1. Their journey to this new stage of their rehabilitation journey began with an adaptation process full of challenges.
When Baimah arrived at the Forest School Level 1 night enclosure, she appeared extremely frightened. She was so scared that she trembled and cried. In contrast, her friend Feruza seemed more confident. She patiently encouraged Baimah to find the courage to socialise, particularly with Ruby, who was also in the same enclosure with them.
Gaining confidence
At first, Baimah clung closely to her surrogate mother. However, over time, she began to explore her new home alongside Feruza, who continuously encouraged her to play and interact with Ruby. Even Ecky and Frank, two orangutans in the adjacent enclosure, were curious and tried to engage with them.
After two days of adjustment, Baimah became more courageous and no longer showed signs of fear. This progress enabled the team to move her and Feruza to the actual forest school area. In this larger space, both orangutans became more active and happier as they had more room to play.
The arrival of Galaksi and Otan
Following Baimah and Feruza, the BOS team transferred Galaksi and Otan to Forest School Level 1 in early 2025. Unlike Baimah’s experience, Galaksi and Otan adapted quickly. Otan immediately approached Feruza and Baimah, while Galaksi seemed more interested in interacting with Ecky and Frank. Galaksi required only one day to adjust before finally joining the learning activities in the forest.
The presence of Baimah, Feruza, Galaksi, and Otan positively impacted Ruby, who previously tended to be solitary. She has become more confident and dares to play further and interact more actively with her peers.
After two days of adjusting, Baimah and Feruza grew confident and began to explore the new Forest School area.
Progress in observation
The BOS team monitors the adaptation and development of orangutans in Forest School by using an ethogram. This assessment focuses on eight primary orangutan activities: movement, natural food types, nest types, locomotion, feeding, resting, and positive and negative social behaviours.
The results show that changes in the daily activities of orangutans in Forest School are now more measurable and demonstrate improvement.
Ecky, who previously consumed only 13 types of natural food, increased his intake to 17. Meanwhile, Baimah and Feruza consume between 13 and 14 kinds of natural food. Ruby, who previously ate only 3 to 4 types, has now learned to recognise and eat eight different types of food.
Positive development
Overall, this observation highlights the positive development in the socialisation and adaptation of orangutans in Forest School Level 1. The presence of new friends like Baimah, Feruza, Galaksi, and Otan not only helped Ruby become more confident but also enriched their experiences and survival skills in a more natural environment.
