HELLO, GOODBYE
When our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team was recently on patrol, the canopy suddenly started rustling – and a surprising visitor appeared.
It was Justin, a male orangutan released into the Kehje Sewen Forest in 2017. The PRM team last saw him in 2021, engaged in a romantic encounter with female Angely.
The rangers immediately took photos and observed Justin while he sat quietly on a branch. He seemed slightly ill, as indicated by the fluids dropping out from his nostrils.
Justin was clearly bothered by the PRM team’s presence: He rattled tree branches and moved away into the tangle of the jungle. The rangers immediately followed him – without success. They lost track of Justin just as quickly as they found him.
After circling for about an hour, the team finally decided to continue to their original patrol destination. Along their route, they found no signs of other orangutans.
Even though short and sweet, the encounter with Justin provided a welcome update on this male orangutan. Despite his running nose, he seems to be doing well in his Kehje Sewen Forest home.
Until next time, Justin!
