Since I last wrote to you all back in June, the pioneering Tabin three (Unkuyong, Atama & Eniro) have been progressing very well on their own for the last six months. One of the most encouraging aspects of doing this research is discovering just how resilient orangutans can be, even though they were deprived of the normal seven or so years of learning that they normally have with their mothers.
Regular supporters will know that Orangutan Appeal UK actively supports the work of Hardi Baktiantoro and his COP group in Indonesia with the rescue of displaced orangutan.
For those of you who are regular followers of the Appeal’s work, you will remember reading in our last newsletter about Malaysian Research Assistant Andy Martin, who went from trekking through the Bornean Rainforest tracking and monitoring Sepilok’s Orang-utans, to jetting over to the UK to further his education.
Our new vet discusses his latest posting.
Andy’s story…
“My chance of a lifetime!”
The ultimate goal of the rehabilitation process is to produce young orangutans that are suitable for release back to the wild. Sepilok having achieved this with our help and the Appeal is eager to find out how well these orangutans cope with their new found freedom and a couple of years ago set up a Post Release Monitoring Project. The results of this research will benefit every rehabilitation centre!
Read about our search for a junior Malaysian vet
The Appeal’s first project back in 2002 was to provide an exercise enclosure for the young orphans in Sepilok’s nursery. Over the years we have updated this facility and our latest project in the nursery is the addition of a new ‘Jungle Gym’.
In 2006 the Appeal set up the post release monitoring project to identify any deficiencies which existed in the current rehabilitation process.
COP’s director and founder, Hardi has sent this heartbreaking report on 4 captive orangutans which are being held in disgusting conditions in West Kalimantan so we can understand exactly what it is like!
