A loyal friend

Earlier this year, our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team from Camp Lesik, in the northern part of the Kehje Sewen Forest, found Lesan in a weakened state. She looked frail, had a runny nose, and was coughing. Our veterinarian suspected that she was suffering from ORDS (Orangutan Respiratory Distress Syndrome). As it can be life-threatening, the vet team decided to evacuate Lesan and treat her illness.

A loyal friend

Friends through thick and thin.

They sedated Lesan and transported her to Camp Lesik, where we have a special enclosure to accommodate orangutans that need medical intervention. The first medical procedure the veterinarians performed on Lesan was a minor surgery to reduce the fluid that was blocking her respiratory tract. They successfully removed a lot of mucus, which explained her weak condition and bad cough.

Post-surgery, Lesan was being cared for around the clock and regularly given medication, mixed among her meal of forest fruits and leaves for easier consumption

Ever since her arrival at camp, Lesan had a regular visitor: His loyal friend Hamzah, a male orangutan. Hamzah’s loyalty had led him to the camp several days in a row, to spend time near Lesan’s enclosure. In fact, Hamzah had even built his night nests near the camp to stay close to his friend.

Due to Lesan’s position in the treatment enclosure, the PRM team members closely monitored Hamzah when he first arrived. They were pleased to find that Hamzah’s presence appeared to be comforting to Lesan. The two were interacting and touching each other, despite being separated by the enclosure bars. They have known each other for a long time, since their release to the Kehje Sewen Forest in 2012.

We love the way Hamzah supported his old friend. We humans could learn a thing or two from orangutans!

How Can You Help

There are lots of ways you can support orangutans and help ensure the survival of this precious ape.

Adopt an Orangutan

Adopt an Orangutan

Orangutans are endangered and at risk of extinction. Habitat destruction results in hundreds of orphaned orangutans, who rely on our care every year. You can help by adopting one. Their dedicated ‘nannies’ teach them everything they need to know for when it’s time to release them back to the wild. You can follow their progress through Forest School.

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Make a Donation

Make a Donation

Please help the Orangutans in their struggle for survival. Your donation is important and goes directly to BOS Indonesia. By donating, you are helping bring this noble yet endangered species back from the brink of extinction and on a path to freedom - from rescue to rehabilitation and release.

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Visit Our Shop

Visit Our Shop

The perfect gift for any occasion! Choose from our selection of instant gifts that directly support our orangutans. You can buy a wheelbarrow, provide food for an orangutan for two months or lots more. You will receive a certificate, personalised with the name of your choice - perfect gift for you or a friend.

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