A tribute to our sweet Shelton

Today is a very special day for our beloved Shelton. Exactly ten years ago, on 24 February 2012, our Samboja Lestari team rescued him.

While looking for food, the six to seven-year-old male was beaten, shot multiple times and left for dead in a forested area. 

Shelton was traumatised by this horrible incident, and the recovery from his physical and psychological wounds was unimaginably hard. We had to remove his left eye, and he became blind in his right eye. But Shelton never gave up!

Shelton is an inspiration for us all.

He gradually gained confidence and learnt to trust our human caregivers, especially thanks to the help of his best buddy Kopral, who was always there for him. 

Kopral, who lost both of his arms in an accident with a powerline, and Shelton maintained a friendship over the many years when Kopral was in forest school but would still take the time to visit his friend. He used to pop in to see Shelton around lunchtime and would even bring his own lunch to Shelton’s complex so the two could eat together.

Shelton and Kopral, a friendship like no other.

But the time came when they had to say goodbye. While Shelton needs our special care and therefore has to stay in the socialisation complex, we could move Kopral to a sanctuary island, where he now lives a semi-wild life with young orangutan Marlon and adult female Lesley. 

However, Shelton keeps his spirits high. He enjoys playing on the rubber ropes and barrels installed in the complex, works relentlessly on his enrichment items, and loves to make loud noises. 

Having a very special place in our caregivers’ hearts, Shelton receives a lot of daily attention, including his favourite coconuts. 

Thank you, Shelton, for being such an inspiration to all of us!

Our president, Tony Gilding, was in Samboja Lestari in 2012 when Shelton arrived at our centre. If you haven’t watched his moving video yet, please take a moment to do so. 

And if would you like to support our work with a donation to help Shelton and his friends, we would be delighted. Thank you!

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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