One evening at 7:00 PM local time, one of our veterinary team members, Drh. Agnes Pratamiutami Sriningsih, received a call from two unknown numbers. Upon answering, she was informed by a resident of Samboja District about the presence of two baby orangutans who appeared to be in poor and emaciated condition.
Esa
According to the report, one of the two orangutan infants had suffered injuries from a dog bite. After receiving the information, our veterinarian immediately reported it to the East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) to initiate a rescue mission. A Wildlife Rescue Unit team—consisting of BKSDA East Kalimantan and three members from the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation—was dispatched to the scene and arrived at around 8:00 PM local time.
Upon arrival, the area was already crowded with local residents and our team. The team quickly gathered more detailed information and learned that the two infants had been named Esa and Indri. Esa was first discovered by a man in a plantation he was developing in Batu Ampar, Muara Wahau. Meanwhile, Indri had been found by his friend after being attacked by the man’s own dog.
Before being brought to Samboja District, the orangutans had been kept as pets for a month. During that time, both Esa and Indri were only fed sugar water and occasionally cassava leaf tips. Indri’s wounds were treated with antiseptic by local residents. Fortunately, after further medical examination, no signs of rabies infection were found. Realizing that the orangutans needed better care, the residents decided to take Esa and Indri to Samboja—riding a motorbike for approximately 12 hours from Muara Wahau.
Indri
Both orangutans are female. Esa, around 6.5 months old, showed signs of malnutrition and appeared thin. Indri, estimated to be 7.5 months old, was in a more alarming condition. She was even thinner, had numerous healing wounds, and one large open wound on her right temple. Her right wrist also appeared unable to straighten, likely due to trauma.
Following a brief health check and formal handover between the rescue team and BKSDA East Kalimantan, the two baby orangutans were brought to the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre. Upon arrival at the clinic, both Esa and Indri immediately received further medical examinations. Thankfully, their vital signs were normal, though both had slightly elevated body temperatures, most likely due to stress from the journey and the busy rescue environment. During the trip to the rehabilitation centre, the two infants were fed milk and responded well, drinking without resistance. However, Indri showed signs of pain in her right hand, indicating an injury that required further monitoring.
Initially, our medical team planned to place the orangutans in the sleeping quarters behind the clinic for easier access during treatment. However, the plan was adjusted after both infants showed distress and reluctance to be left alone. Instead, they were brought to the Nursery Babies unit, where they would receive full-time care from our dedicated surrogate mothers. Now in a safer and more comfortable environment, Esa and Indri are receiving the care they need. Our team remains committed to supporting their recovery and development until they are ready for the next stages of rehabilitation. Stay tuned for more stories about Esa and Indri in the future!
Text by: Communications Team at Samboja Lestari, East Kalimantan
Will you help us rescue, rehabilitate and release orangutans back to freedom? Thank you!
