SUCI’S SWEET DISCOVERY
In the vast wilderness of Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, Central Kalimantan, the story of Suci, a young female orangutan, continues to unfold with new wonders.
First released in 2021, Suci occasionally appeared during observations of our Post-Release-Monitoring (PRM) team, including a confirmed sighting in 2024. Recently, the PRM team once again encountered her in the Hiran watershed—this time, approximately 7 kilometres from the base at Camp Himba Pambelum.
A pleasant surprise
What made this sighting particularly special was the scene the rangers arrived at: Suci had found a fruiting palm tree, bursting with ripe tropical delights, and was enjoying it with great enthusiasm. She munched greedily on the rich fruits, savouring every bite as if it were a feast prepared just for her by the forest itself.
Suci is savouring every bite and is clearly thriving in her wild home.
But her appetite didn’t stop there. After indulging in the palm fruits, Suci also consumed several young leaves and tree cambium—important sources of nutrients for orangutans in the wild. Although it was clear she had noticed the team’s presence, Suci paid them no mind. Her focus remained entirely on her meal, a rare moment of calm and indulgence that the rangers were fortunate to witness.
An abundance of delicacies
The forest was in fruiting season, which might explain Suci’s contentment. The natural abundance of food not only supports her physical health but also enriches her daily life in the wild, allowing her to feast and rest without worry.
After satisfying her hunger, Suci moved roughly 300 meters away from the fruit buffet to build her night nest. There, she settled in for the evening, likely resting with a full belly and a peaceful mind.
Stay tuned for more updates from the forest—and more surprises from Suci.
Learn more about our orangutan conservation work here.
