Josie is one of the female orangutans currently undergoing pre-release processes on Kaja Island. Josie is known as a shy and solitary individual because she rarely shows herself and socializes with other orangutans on the island.
Since the arrival of her baby, Josie (now known as Mama Josie) has embraced her new life with deep affection and unwavering protection for her little one. Her maternal instincts are remarkably strong, evident in how she constantly watches over and shields her baby. A significant shift in her daily habits can also be observed, especially in her reduced presence at Feeding Platform Kalawau, a place she used to frequent.
Beyond the fruiting season, Josie also actively avoids the presence of male orangutans on the island. Males often chase and attempt to force females into copulation. As a mother with a young infant, Josie is unwilling to take that risk. To ensure her baby’s safety, she chooses to stay away from their reach and settle in safer areas within the forest.
In addition to avoiding males, Josie has also become more cautious around humans, including the technicians who provide food and observe the orangutans on the island. Whenever she spots them approaching, she maintains a safe distance. However, once the technicians leave and the sound of the klotok (boat) fades into the distance, Josie cautiously approaches the feeding platform to grab a small amount of fruit before retreating back into the forest.
Currently, the island is experiencing a period of stability. Fruits from the guava family are abundant, serving as a natural food source for the orangutans. Additionally, water levels on the island remain stable, not too flooded, yet not too dry, allowing Josie and the other orangutans to move around more freely.
Josie’s journey as a mother is still far from over. Her decision to keep her distance from potential threats while ensuring her baby learns to forage in the forest demonstrates her remarkable maternal instincts. We continue to closely monitor Josie and her baby with great anticipation, eagerly awaiting the day when the little one grows strong and independent, just like its resilient and devoted mother.
Text by: Communications Team at Nyaru Menteng, Central Kalimantan
Will you help us rescue, rehabilitate and release orangutans back to freedom? Thank you!
