MAMA JOSIE’S JOURNEY
Josie is one of the female orangutans currently honing her learned skills on Kaja Pre-Release Island. She is typically shy and solitary, rarely interacting or socialising with other orangutans on the island. Discover how she has transformed as a mother.
Since the arrival of her baby, Josie, now known as Mama Josie, has embraced her new life with deep affection and unwavering protection for her little one. Her maternal instincts are remarkably strong, evident in how she constantly watches over and shields her baby. A significant shift in her daily habits can also be observed, especially in her reduced presence at Feeding Platform Kalawau, a place she previously frequented.
Learning to be wild
One of the main reasons Josie prefers to stay deep in the forests of Kaja Island is the ongoing fruiting season, particularly in the Kaja Bangamat area. With an abundant supply of fruit available, Josie no longer relies on the food provided by the technicians. This habit has become a valuable opportunity for her to introduce her baby to a variety of natural forest fruits, helping the little one learn which foods are safe to consume in the wild.
Fruits from the guava family are abundant at the moment, serving as a natural food source for Josie and her baby.
Avoiding males to stay safe
Beyond the fruiting season, Josie also actively avoids the presence of male orangutans on the island. Males often chase and attempt to force females into copulation. As a mother with a young infant, Josie is unwilling to take that risk. To ensure her baby’s safety, she chooses to stay away from their reach and settle in safer areas within the forest.
In addition to avoiding males, Josie has also become more cautious around humans, including the technicians who provide food and observe the orangutans on the island. Whenever she spots them approaching, she maintains a safe distance. However, once the technicians leave and the sound of the klotok (boat) fades into the distance, Josie cautiously approaches the feeding platform to grab a small amount of fruit before retreating back into the forest.
Maternal instincts sharpen
Josie’s journey as a mother is still far from over. Her decision to keep her distance from potential threats while ensuring her baby learns to forage in the forest demonstrates her remarkable maternal instincts. We continue to closely monitor Josie and her baby with great anticipation, eagerly awaiting the day when the little one grows strong and independent, just like its resilient and devoted mother.
Find out more about our orangutan conservation work here.
