INUNG, INDIE AND BABY INDRO
The Post-Release Monitoring team in the Bukit Batikap Protection Forest recently observed Inung and her offspring, Indie, who frequently visit their camp. However, this time, Inung had a special surprise for them.
Inung and Indie were known for visiting the guava tree behind the camp and foraging for fruits and cassava as their primary food sources. Although Indie had grown bigger, she remained highly dependent on her mother. She frequently begged for food from Inung and clung to her whenever our team encountered them.
Then, during their last visit, our team noticed physical changes in Inung. Her belly appeared larger, and her vulva was swollen—clear signs that she was pregnant.
Tiny infant hidden in Inung’s arms
A month later, the rangers spotted Inung sitting on a tree in front of the camp, closely watching the activities around her. At first, only Indie was visible, clinging to her shoulders. But as Inung stood up and started moving, the team was stunned to see a tiny infant cradled in her arms.
Well protected in his mother’s arms—little Indro is Inung’s fourth child. His birth is a milestone for our conservation efforts.
The newborn orangutan, later named Indro, appeared healthy and was frequently seen nursing. His mother made sure he remained safe in her embrace. Meanwhile, Indro’s older sister, Indie, had become more independent but still displayed protective behaviour by staying close to her little brother.
Successful reintroduction program
The birth of Indro represents a significant milestone in the rehabilitation journey of orangutans in the Batikap Forest. With this new baby’s arrival, our 36th wild-born baby since 2012, there is great hope that the reintroduced orangutan population will continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
Inung, now a mum of four, demonstrates that reintroduced female orangutans can successfully survive and reproduce in the wild. The presence of this small family highlights the success of our conservation efforts, proving that years of dedication and protection can lead to beautiful outcomes like this.
Learn more about our conservation efforts here.
