ORANGUTAN DAY IS ALMOST HERE
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International Orangutan Day is observed annually on 19 August, and we are thrilled to mark this important event again in 2023. This particular day reminds us just how precious this primate species is and why we must work together to protect orangutans for future generations.
It’s especially significant for those living in Indonesia, as Orangutan Day comes just two days after their Independence Day. These two days are close in date and meaning, as they both celebrate the freedom of all living beings, human and animal alike.
Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, together with Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and the East and Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agencies (BKSDA), have released a total of 515 orangutans since 2012 at sites across Central and East Kalimantan in the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, the Bukit Batikap Protection Forest, and the Kehje Sewen Ecosystem Restoration Concession. From these released individuals, 34 babies have been born in the wild. These numbers prove that our hard work is not in vain, and this certainly deserves to be recognised and celebrated!
Despite the triumphs, there are still about 400 orangutans in our care at the Nyaru Menteng and Samboja Lestari rehabilitation centres, awaiting their chance to be released into a natural habitat. We can’t do this alone – we need the help of everyone, including the Government of Indonesia, local and international partners, and local communities.