A LONG JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

Runtu, a 23-year-old female, is one of six orangutans we recently released into the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR). She is a repatriated orangutan from Thailand and has been undergoing challenging rehabilitation at the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre since 2006.

On 10 November, a representative from the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency released her transport cage, representing the beginning of her journey to freedom. Runtu displayed little aggressiveness despite initially turning back towards the release team. Instead, she gently climbed into the trees and continued her journey deeper into the forest.

A Smart Explorer
Runtu’s caretakers recognised her intelligence and adventurous spirit since her rehabilitation at Nyaru Menteng. These traits were particularly apparent during her time on Salat Pre-Release Island. Here, the technicians frequently spotted her exploring with other orangutans, such as Nett. Her adventurous behaviours persisted after release, as she demonstrated high mobility during post-release monitoring (PRM).

Runtu has a unique habit of rarely descending to the ground; she prefers to stay at heights above 11 meters. During the PRM, the team occasionally ‘lost’ track of her as she moved swiftly across cliffs and outpaced them. On several occasions, they observed her in areas with elevations of up to 1,500 meters above sea level, showcasing her courage and adaptability to challenging terrain.

High Feeding Rate
One of Runtu’s notable traits is her exceptional feeding ability. With an average feeding rate of 45% to 63%, she quickly adapted to the available food sources in her new habitat. In the TNBBBR, Runtu consumed a variety of natural foods, including uwar, tree sap, and cambium. These sources of nutrition provide the energy she needs for her active lifestyle.

Social Interaction with Happy
At the release site, Runtu interacted positively with Happy. The BOS team released the male orangutan at the same time as Runtu. Shortly after their release, the two copulated, indicating a healthy relationship. Although they were separated for a few days, they eventually reunited and displayed similar interactions. This bond provides great hope for the regeneration of the orangutan population in the forests of Kalimantan.

Hope for The Smart Explorer
As an orangutan who has undergone a long journey from rehabilitation to release, Runtu is a shining example of the success of conservation programs. Her release underscores the collective commitment to conservation efforts involving multiple stakeholders.

We hope Runtu will not only thrive as an individual in the wild but also contribute to the growth of the orangutan population in Kalimantan. With her intelligence, quick adaptability, and strong social abilities, she has a strong chance of surviving and reproducing in her new habitat. Runtu’s journey illustrates how orangutans who have lost their homes can return to their natural environment and start anew in the forests that are truly their home.

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