We are happy to share positive news about Mema and her friend Topan, who have recently taken another important step toward freedom. After completing forest school, they have now moved to the protected Bangamat Island, where they will refine their skills and prove that they can survive without human assistance— a milestone in their journey back to the wild.
In January, Mema completed forest school and, along with her classmate Topan, was moved to the protected island sanctuary of Bangamat – a crucial phase in her rehabilitation. Here, she will refine her skills and see if she can manage without human assistance.
The moment she arrived, Mema wasted no time. As soon as the transport crate was opened, she immediately climbed up a tree without looking back – as if she knew this was her new home.
But even though she has quickly adapted to the island environment, her journey is far from over.
Life on the pre-release island of Bangamat is a vital test, where Mema must learn to navigate the challenges of life in the wild on her own. Naturally, we will be closely monitoring her and Topans progress, and only when they have proven that they can survive independently will they be ready to return to the rainforest as a free, wild orangutan.
