Rescued in mid-2025, Nia continues to show encouraging progress in her rehabilitation journey at the Nursery Group. Despite facing minor health challenges in recent months, Nia remains active, curious, and full of energy. This indicates qualities that reflect both her resilience and the attentive care she receives every day.
In August, her caregivers noticed a yellowish discoloration in Nia’s right eye. Following a thorough examination, the medical team diagnosed her with a corneal ulcer. Treatment was promptly administered in the form of medicated eye drops. Encouragingly, her condition improved quickly, and by the following day, she was declared negative.
However, Nia later began rubbing her eyes more frequently, a sign that something still felt uncomfortable. Upon closer inspection, the medical team discovered tiny lice or mites around her eyelids. The lice were quite small, so they required careful observation to detect. This condition was not unique to Nia; similar findings were observed in other orangutans in the Nursery Group, such as Momo.
To address this, the medical team implemented continued treatment using both medicated eye salves and eye drops to ensure the parasites could be safely removed and prevented from spreading. The treatment is still ongoing, with Nia’s condition being closely monitored.
Despite the discomfort around her eyes, Nia shows no signs of slowing down. She remains highly active and continues to climb tall trees during Forest School sessions, confidently navigating the canopy. She has even begun practicing nest-building, an essential skill for wild orangutans. While her nests are not yet sturdy, given her young age, these early attempts mark an important step in her development.
Each day at Forest School, Nia wastes no time. She typically climbs a tree right away with fruit in hand. Once her fruit is finished, she looks for young leaves to eat. This behaviour appears to be inspired by her close friend Selfie, who is known for her fondness for tender young leaves on her lips. Observing and imitating Selfie, Nia has begun adopting the same habit, highlighting how young orangutans learn through social interaction.
Beyond climbing and feeding, Nia also enjoys playful moments on the forest floor. One of her favourite activities is splashing and playing in a muddy puddle within the Forest School area. It’s not uncommon for her to return covered in water and mud; a joyful sign of exploration, play, and comfort within her environment.
Nia’s story is a reflection of both careful medical attention and the importance of allowing young orangutans to remain active and expressive during their recovery. With continued treatment, close monitoring, and the unwavering support of her surrogate mothers, Nia continues to grow stronger: physically and behaviourally.
Each day brings new lessons, small challenges, and meaningful progress. Step by step, Nia is learning what it means to be an orangutan, building the skills she will one day need for life in the wild.
Text by: Communications Team at Nyaru Menteng, Central Kalimantan
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