A baby orangutan named Nia arrived at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. She was handed over by a local resident named Zaki from the village of Tumbang Mahop, located in Katingan Hulu, Central Kalimantan. According to locals, Nia had been kept as a pet for approximately two weeks before her surrender.
When she first arrived, Nia was estimated to be around 10 months old and weighed only 3.0 kilograms. Upon initial examination, our medical team found abrasions on both sides of her lower back, most likely the result of being tied up during her time in captivity.
Nia’s story began in the forest near Tumbang Mahop, where a local resident came across a female orangutan and her baby, along with an adult male orangutan. For reasons still unclear, both adult orangutans were tragically shot and fell from the trees. The baby—now known as Nia—was then taken by the resident.
Shortly after, Zaki happened to pass by and noticed the infant orangutan in the possession of the villager. Concerned for her welfare, Zaki urged the villager to hand the orangutan over to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). Thankfully, the villager agreed, and Nia was soon on her way to Nyaru Menteng.
Now safe at the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre, Nia is undergoing a quarantine period in the Infant Nursery, where she is being cared for by our dedicated surrogate mothers. While it is still early in her rehabilitation journey, Nia is already beginning to show signs of curiosity and confidence. Each morning, she eagerly climbs the trees near the nursery, using her tiny hands to swing around while keeping a watchful eye on her surrogate mothers. She has also grown fond of napping beside her surrogate mother, finding comfort and safety in her presence.
Nia’s resilience is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect orangutans and their rainforest habitat. Her journey toward recovery and eventual release back into the wild is just beginning, and we will be here every step of the way to support her. Stay tuned for updates as Nia grows stronger and begins her path toward freedom!
Text by: Communications Team at Nyaru Menteng, Central Kalimantan
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