Progress is being made as BOSF constructs the new islands, forest school, and facilities for the orangutans’ big move to the new Nyaru Menteng II.
The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) is relocating one of its centers, the Nyaru Menteng orangutan rehabilitation center, to a new site, just a 10-minute drive from the original location. This new 132-hectare area will continue to serve the same purpose: rehabilitating orangutans and preparing them for release back into the wild. The relocation allows us to expand our efforts, with key projects already underway to support this mission.
One of the most crucial initiatives at the new site is the Forest School, a core part of our orangutan rehabilitation process. This program is vital because it teaches rescued orangutans survival skills, such as foraging, building nests, and interacting with others—skills they will need to thrive in the wild. We’ve prioritized setting up the Forest School to ensure the transition doesn’t disrupt this essential work.
As part of our rehabilitation efforts, our enrichment, animal welfare, and medical teams quickly provided treatments to address the skin issues caused by exposure to the rengas tree. The first step was relocating affected orangutans to a safer environment, away from areas with a high risk of further exposure to the toxic plant. This precautionary measure ensures that their skin irritation does not worsen. Our veterinarians also routinely provide supportive treatments such as vitamins D, E, and Snakehead murrel supplements to speed up wound healing.
Based on the previous report, the foundation and fabrication stages are still in progress and must be completed in November. Most of the materials for both buildings have already been fabricated. The foundation construction was completed by November 7. Once these stages are finished, the workers will shift their efforts toward the superstructure works. This phase involves constructing all elements above ground level, including structural components and architectural features that form the core of the building, such as walls, floors, roofs, etc. During this phase, detailed attention will be given to the workstations and enclosures, ensuring their design, stability, and functionality align.
The Workstation
The workstation’s superstructure comprises various elements: floor, plumbing, walls, electricity, doors-windows, ceiling, and roof. After completing the foundation, the workers began plumbing and wall construction on November 7. By November 14, the plumbing was finished, and work on the roof started. At this stage, the overall structure of the workstation building began to take shape. Afterward, the workers focused on completing the ceiling and roof, finishing these tasks by November 28. Work on the walls, ceiling, and electrical systems continued through the last two weeks of November and is expected to carry over into December, alongside other superstructure components.
The Enclosures
The superstructure of the building comprises four primary components: the floor, the enclosure, the stairs, and the roof. The floor was constructed alongside the foundation and integrated with the sewage system, completed on November 8. The enclosure installation is the most labor-intensive task. During this time, the workers are simultaneously advancing the installation of the roof and stairs, ensuring efficient use of resources and time.
Text by: Communication Team, BOS Foundation
Will you help us finish the construction of Nyaru Menteng II and build the orangutans’ new home? Thank you!
