In a significant advance for the protection of critically endangered orangutans, Mary, an orphaned rescued orangutan, was released in the jungle of Borneo. It was after spending four years in rehabilitation at the BORA Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
Along with her companions Jojo and Bonti, Mary returns to the Busang ecosystem, one of the last viable habitats in Borneo for this species.
## The rescue of Mary and her rehabilitation process
Mary’s story began in February 2019 when she was rescued in the city of Longgie, East Borneo. At one or two years old, she had been kept in illegal captivity by villagers.
To survive in the jungle, orphaned orangutans need to learn essential skills. For four years, Mary received training at the BORA center’s Jungle School, where expert caregivers taught her:
– How to independently search for food.
– Building shelters among the trees.
– Recognition of dangers in the jungle.
In October 2024, she advanced to the pre-release phase. She was transferred to an island with Jojo and Bonti, where she perfected her skills before being released.
## Return to freedom
On January 10, 2025, Mary and her companions embarked on a 10-hour journey by car and boat to reach their new home in the jungle.
After the release, the three confidently ventured into the forest canopy, starting their new life in freedom.
## Protecting orangutans and the role of conservation
The Orangutan Project, a leading organization in the conservation of these primates, celebrated the event, highlighting the importance of:
– Rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned orangutans.
– Ensuring proper medical care and nutrition during the process.
– Promoting the protection of their natural habitat.
According to Leif Cocks, founder of the Orangutan Project, each release is a key step in ensuring the survival of the species, in a context where deforestation and illegal hunting threaten their future.
## A new beginning in the jungle
Mary, Jojo, and Bonti now live in their natural habitat, with tools to face the challenges of life in freedom.
This milestone reinforces the importance of continuing to promote the rehabilitation and protection of great apes, ensuring that future generations of orangutans can thrive in their natural environment.
