Bravely defying the cold of Scandinavia – Save the Orangutan Denmark and Sweden recently had the honor of welcoming a delegation from our esteemed long-term partner in Borneo, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). Our collaboration with BOSF has played a vital role in orangutan conservation efforts since the founding of Save the Orangutan Denmark in 2003 and the establishment of Save the Orangutan Sweden in 2007.
A dynamic and tightly packed program, including public seminars, workshops, and partner meetings, highlighted the ongoing significance of global partnerships, mutual capacity building, and sustained investment in collaboration with local implementing partners. At the core of this partnership is a shared commitment to safeguarding the critically endangered orangutan and preserving its rainforest habitat in Borneo.
World’s most endangered species
As highlighted in the presentations in Stockholm and Copenhagen by BOSF CEO Dr. Jamartin Shihite, the orangutan—one of humanity’s closest relatives—is also one of the world’s most endangered species. Over the past 40 years, their population has declined by a staggering 80%, primarily due to habitat destruction caused by forest fires, illegal logging, and land clearing for palm oil plantations and mining. Once widespread across Southeast Asia, orangutans are now found only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Without urgent and sustained intervention, they face the very real threat of extinction in the wild.
“We, humans, did this to them”
If you ever doubt the dedication of those working closest with orangutans, we encourage you to sit down with the passionate team of BOSF representatives.
As Dr. Jamartin Shihite shared, “My initial interest in saving the orangutans came from looking into the eyes of an orphaned baby orangutan. But over time, this changed. My commitment now comes from having looked into the lifeless eyes of an unreleasable orangutan—one that has lost its limbs or been infected with diseases. We, humans, did this to them.” Jamartin went on describing the sense of awe he felt, when seeing the soul return to their eyes once given the chance to be released into the protected areas of the BOSF sanctuary. “Ideally, no orangutan should be in rehabilitation centers—every orangutan deserves to live as a free, wild animal.”
The Malaysian-Indonesian island of Borneo is home to the largest remaining population of these remarkable primates. Here, Save the Orangutan works closely with BOSF to protect orangutans through vital forest conservation, rehabilitation, and release programs. This enduring partnership is crucial to ensuring the survival of the species.
Long term investment in Rehabilitation Efforts
One of BOSF’s key conservation initiatives is the “Jungle School” program, which prepares orphaned orangutans for life in the wild. Many young orangutans lose their mothers—who typically care for them for up to eight years—primarily due to loss of habitat and conflicts with humans . Without this maternal guidance, their chances of survival are minimal.
At BOSF’s rehabilitation centers, expert caregivers step in to teach these young orangutans the skills they need to survive. Once they are ready, they are released into protected rainforest areas, ensuring their long-term survival in the wild.
During the recent seminars, attendees gained exclusive insight into this rehabilitation process and learned about the upcoming Nyaru Menteng Center—an advanced facility that will further enhance these crucial conservation efforts.
Engaging Local Communities for Sustainable Conservation
Beyond orangutan rehabilitation, BOSF actively collaborates with local communities to promote sustainable solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. Their initiatives focus on forest conservation, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, and providing alternative livelihoods that do not rely on deforestation—all essential components of long-term conservation efforts.
In addition, BOSF is expanding into ecotourism, offering visitors immersive jungle experiences that highlight the importance of conservation. This initiative not only raises awareness about the plight of orangutans but also generates economic opportunities for local communities, further reinforcing the value of protecting Borneo’s natural habitats.
A Shared Commitment to Orangutan Conservation
Hosting BOSF in Scandinavia was an absolute privilege, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our seminars in Copenhagen and Stockholm. Your engagement and support are invaluable in the fight to protect orangutans and their rainforest home.
A special thank you to BOSF for their unwavering dedication and for sharing their inspiring work with us. This visit underscored the importance of long-term investment in partnerships, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Together, we remain committed to ensuring a future where orangutans can thrive in the wild.
