Our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team in the Bukit Batikap Protection Forest (Batikap) recently observed two special visitors near the Totat Jalu Monitoring Camp. A female orangutan, later identified as Daisy, emerged from the opening of Transect Anton, cradling a baby. The mother-infant pair was seen collecting some cassava that was grown by our PRM team members.
Daisy was released into Batikap way back in 2012, the very first year we released orangutans into the area. Up until this sighting, her whereabouts had long gone unknown. Our team was lucky to catch a look at her this time after she approached the monitoring camp to taste the cassava our team had cultivated nearby.
The PRM team quickly sprang into action to observe the pair and take notes, and soon determined that both orangutans were active and in good health. Daisy’s infant appeared to be highly reliant on her, gripping its mother’s hair tightly so as to not fall when she moved around.
At first glance, our PRM team members thought the two orangutans were Inung and Indie, who are known to frequent the monitoring camp. However, upon closer inspection, they were delighted to discover that it was long-lost Daisy, now a mother, with an infant in tow.
We have yet to determine the sex of Daisy’s child, but we are certain that he/she will grow into an independent and skilled, wild orangutan under the guidance of Daisy.
Text by: PRM Team at Camp Totat Jalu, Bukit Batikap Protection Forest
Will you help us rescue, rehabilitate and release orangutans back to freedom? Thank you!
