Two very young orangutans named Esa and Indri have just been given a second chance at life.
On June 5, Dr. Agnes Pratamiutami from the BOS Foundation received an urgent alert: two infant orangutans were being kept in captivity in the Samboja district of East Kalimantan. A coordinated rescue mission was quickly launched together with the East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).
A Glimpse Into Their Pasts
Esa, estimated to be only 6–7 months old, had been found wandering alone on a plantation. Indri, about a month older, had a more painful story – she bore fresh wounds from a dog bite. The local people who had found the infants had tried to care for them as pets for about a month, feeding them sugar water and cassava leaves – far from the diet a baby orangutan needs to survive and grow.
Despite their good intentions, concerns grew. Both infants showed signs of stress and illness, and Indri’s injury required medical attention. Once this was reported to the authorities, it became clear that the two babies urgently needed rescue.
Early Signs of Recovery
After a 12-hour journey, the rescue team finally arrived at the village and completed the mission at 8 PM. Esa and Indri were now safe and on their way to Samboja Lestari, BOS Foundation’s rehabilitation centre. Even during the drive, both began showing signs of progress – drinking milk and holding onto their caretakers with cautious but determined arms.
Upon arrival, a veterinary team conducted thorough health checks. Esa had a mild fever, while Indri’s old dog bite was healing, though still in need of monitoring. Fortunately, neither showed signs of rabies or other serious conditions.
A New Chapter Begins
At the Baby Orangutan Unit at Samboja Lestari, Esa and Indri are now being cared for by experienced surrogate mothers. Indri, more independent, cautiously explores her new surroundings. Esa, still emotionally fragile, clings closely to her caregivers. For both of them, rehabilitation is not just about healing physically – it’s also about rebuilding trust, learning to forage, and one day preparing for a return to the wild.
Why These Rescues Matter
As deforestation and human–wildlife conflict increase in Kalimantan, more orangutans are orphaned or taken from their natural habitats. However, every successful rescue demonstrates what is possible when local communities act responsibly and report these cases to the authorities, and when committed organisations like the BOS Foundation and BKSDA respond promptly.
These two tiny fighters now have a new chance – not just to survive, but to one day swing freely through the rainforests they were born to call home.