Have you heard the story of Temon and Lahei, the duo who once disappeared from the forest school? They completed forest school much faster than expected and reached the pre-release stage earlier than their peers – thanks to an extraordinary adventure.
Most orangutans in the forest school reach the final stage of the rehabilitation process, which we call the pre-release, when they are between eight and ten years old. This is usually the age when they are ready to test skills such as building a nest and foraging in their natural environment.
But Temon and Lahei couldn’t wait that long. Already at the age of five and six, respectively, they amazed the caregivers and showed that readiness is not defined by age, but by instinct, courage and natural ingenuity.
Temon and Lahei: loyal companions
Temon, rescued in mid-2022, immediately showed she belonged in the forest. Her little fingers easily grasped the branches, her nose twitched at the smell of ripe fruit and her ears remained constantly alert to the sounds around her. Already during the first time in quarantine, she was able to build sturdy nests. Despite her independence, she, like all infants, still sought warm hugs from her caregivers before disappearing into the treetops.
A few months later, the small, tender Lahei arrived. He quickly bonded with Temon and they became inseparable. In the nursery group, they played side by side and swung from tree to tree like two little bundles of energy.
Ten days missing
Their shared adventure soon took an unexpected turn when Temon and Lahei one day disappeared from the forest school. For ten long days, worried caregivers and technicians searched for them. The two orangutans were still young and did not know much about the dangers of the forest.
When the pair was finally found, they were fortunately calm and in good health. The only sign that they had been living in the wild for ten days was that they were confused and a little scruffy when they returned to the forest school.
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A new chapter on Kaja Island
Temon and Lahei’s disappearance proved to be a turning point in their rehabilitation journey. They not only learned faster, but redefined what it means to be ready for freedom. In July 2025, they were officially transferred to the final phase of rehabilitation, in pre-release on Kaja Island.
When they were released onto the island, they both immediately climbed into the treetops. Keepers later saw them sharing fruit with Fanny, who also lived on the island, before disappearing back into the treetops.
By the end of July, they had naturally gone their separate ways and settled in different places. Both adapted well – building nests, foraging on their own, and exploring their new environment with confidence and curiosity.
More than skills
Temon and Lahei have demonstrated sharp instincts and remarkable courage. As they evolve in pre-release, they bring with them more than survival skills – they have also gained a unique taste for freedom. They are not only developing their skills – they also carry the wildness of nature within them.
Thanks to your support, young orangutans like Temon and Lahei have the chance to reclaim their wild future. Every step they take in the forest is living proof of your care.