Follow the post-release monitoring team into the rainforest on a day when they encounter one of the orangutans released at the end of 2025, Otan.
The morning mist still hung lightly over the forest canopy as the Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team began their routine patrol in the Bemban River watershed, part of Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR).
That day’s patrol was intended not only to monitor forest conditions but also to carry out various field activities: checking transect routes, ensuring there were no signs of hunting or other illegal human activity, recording the condition of food trees, and documenting traces of wildlife passing through the area.
Between these activities, the team also checked several locations commonly used as travel routes by released orangutans. One name frequently mentioned among the team was Otan, a male orangutan released in November 2025. Since then, Otan had rarely been seen. It was as if he had disappeared into the dense forest of TNBBBR.
But that morning, the forest offered a welcome surprise.
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Another glimpse of Otan
Near the banks of the Bemban River, the team spotted a familiar figure. Among the branches, Otan appeared relaxed, enjoying his breakfast. He was picking and eating sangkuang fruit, seemingly undisturbed by observers watching from a distance.
Seeing Otan in such healthy and active condition was encouraging. The team quickly adjusted their plans for the day, shifting their focus to following his movements and documenting how he was living in the wild.
Otan demonstrated just how well he had adapted to the forest environment. He was not merely surviving; he showed a strong understanding of the food resources around him.
His behaviour also revealed an interesting development. In the early period after his release, he spent most of his time in the trees. Now, however, he appeared far more dynamic. Throughout the day, Otan descended to the forest floor several times, moving along natural paths beneath the canopy. His movements were confident and steady, reflecting excellent physical condition.
Ready for the night
That day, Otan traveled approximately 1,200 meters, crossing shrubs, fallen logs and forest floor with determination – clear signs that he had begun to understand his home range well.
As afternoon turned to evening, after a full day of exploring and foraging along the Bemban River, Otan began to slow down. Guided by instinct, he searched for a place to rest and began building his night nest high in the trees using branches and leaves.
Slowly, the nest took shape. Beneath a canopy dimming in the fading light, Otan prepared to end his day in peace.
For the PRM team, the encounter was more than just a stroke of luck. Seeing Otan move freely, find his own food and build a nest in the forest was clear evidence that the release process had been successful.