They are free…

 

After months of detailed planning, Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation in Indonesia have begun their release program with news this morning of the first successful release.

The strategy was set with precision timing, the animals were sedated to make sure they experienced the least stress possible, vets were ready just in case.

And now the news that the first ever large scale release programme of ex captive Orangutans is a reality.  The Orangutans are back in the wild where they belong.

After resting last night in our enclosure facility at Puruk Cahu, our lucky four candidates completed their final stage by helicopter to Batikap, Central Kalimantan where our field team opened their cages and set them free into 100,000 Hectares of pristine rainforest.

There really is no place like home. This is the moment we’ve been working towards – the first four ex-captive orangutans are free. It’s been 10 years in the making, and this is just the beginning. We still have over 800 orangutans in our care that all need eventual release. Todays historic news gives us confidence and hope to set more free.

Back in Nyaru Menteng, where our rescue centre is located, the release team are recovering from their 12 hour car ride, helicopter journey and flight and celebrating the release of  Tarzan, Astrid, Monic and Tantri. They are elated.

 It costs $9,200 for one orangutan to be released and much of that has come from Australian donors generosity.

We want to thank all our donors. It’s a great day and we should all be proud.

Another major release is scheduled on 22nd of April 2012 from the Samboja Lestari rehab centre into the Kehje Sewen site. This is expected to be for 12 orangutans at the actual number may vary closer to the release date. Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook for up-to-date information on these releases.

If you can spare any funds this year to help us release more Orangutans faster we would of course be eternally grateful. The more funds we have the more Orangutans we can release.

Tony Gilding

President

PS Please follow our Facebookpage and Twitter feed  for up to the minute release news as it breaks and for progress reports on the new life of the 4 Orangutans released today.

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.

Adopt Now
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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