An Update on Alba

Alba, the Albino Orangutan thrives in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park.

Central Kalimantan, 28 February 2020

Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation recently released three more rehabilitated Bornean orangutans. Immediately following their release, the three orangutans were observed by the BOS Foundation’s post-release monitoring (PRM) team, as part of standard operating procedures.

The PRM team watched as Unyu, one of newly released orangutans, encountered Alba in the forest. Their immediate greeting served as a heart-warming reminder that during their time at BOS Foundation’s Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre, the two females had been housed together and established seemingly lasting bonds.

Nearly three years ago, on 29 April 2017, through a collaborative effort of the Central Kalimantan BKSDA, the Kapuas Hulu Sector Police, and BOS Foundation, Alba, the only albino orangutan ever recorded, was rescued in Central Kalimantan. Following her rescue, Alba spent almost two years in BOS Foundation’s care, before she was released back into her natural habitat on 18 December 2018.

Dr. Jamartin Sihite, BOS Foundation CEO has said that, “We are committed to working together with the Directorate for Biodiversity Conservation and the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park Office in conducting observations and monitoring the released orangutans in the national park. Through this joint effort, we can assess the success rate of orangutans and habitat conservation efforts in Central Kalimantan.

“We released Alba in December 2018. By the end of 2019, our observations showed that, on average, Alba spent 56.5% of her active hours in the forest feeding, 27.2% of her time travelling, 13.8% of her time resting,and 2.2% of her time engaged in other behaviours, such as nesting and social interactions. Most recently, Alba was observed in February of this year, and we will continue to observe her regularly for the foreseeable future.

“In addition to Alba, we also observe the other released orangutans through regular patrols and monitoring of the area to ensure that they can survive in the wild without human assistance. Conservation work is a collaboration that requires all to actively participate. We always welcome support from others who strive to protect the environment, for the benefit of Indonesia and beyond.”

We hope you enjoy this video of Alba flourishing in her natural habitat!