Still remember the rescue story from Samboja Lestari about the two female orangutans, Esa and Indri? Now both have successfully completed their quarantine period and have joined the Nursery Group at Samboja Lestari Forest School. How are they progressing in the Nursery Group? Check out the story below.
Esa
Esa and Indri, two baby orangutans who arrived together at Samboja Lestari in the middle of 2025, have been making remarkable progress in the Nursery Group. Close in age, the pair are often mistaken for twins. They express a shared bond that has grown stronger as they adjust to their new surroundings.
When they first arrived, both were in a concerning state of health. Malnutrition and injuries marked their small bodies. Indri in particular had an open wound on her head. Indri’s wound has now healed completely, thanks to the dedicated care of the Samboja Lestari medical team. She is now free to move around and explore the forest school alongside her peers.
Every day, Esa and Indri join play sessions in the Nursery Group at forest school, where they interact not only with each other but also with Jenny, an older orangutan. Jenny often takes on the role of the playful instigator, especially teasing Indri. While Indri tends to seek comfort from her surrogate mothers, Jenny’s playful antics sometimes push her out of her comfort zone, much to Indri’s vocal protest.
Indri
Esa, on the other hand, shows a more independent spirit. Upon reaching the forest school, she immediately heads to the trees, climbing and swinging with confidence. She spends much of her time exploring, such as tasting young leaves, gnawing on twigs, and even attempting to build simple ground nests using leaves given to her by his surrogate mothers. Her curiosity and initiative are promising signs for her future development.
Under the watchful eyes of the surrogate mothers and medical team, both Esa and Indri are steadily regaining their health. They arrived underweight and weak, but with consistent nutrition, including milk and a variety of fresh fruits, their conditions have improved significantly. Their bodies are now stronger, their coats healthier and shinier, and their energy levels visibly higher.
Esa and Indri’s journey is still at its early stages, but their resilience and progress are a testament to the power of dedicated care and compassion. With continued guidance in the Nursery Group, these young orangutans will keep learning the essential survival skills they will one day need when they return to their true home, the forest.
Text by: Communications Team at Samboja Lestari, East Kalimantan
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