Conservationists Embark on Orangutan Reintroduction Programme in National Park in West Borneo

LONDON, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Conservationists have carried out the first release of orangutans into the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (BBBR NP) in West Borneo. The release operation, the first in what is planned to be an extensive reintroduction programme, was carried out by a team from International Animal Rescue (IAR) in collaboration with the Conservation of Natural Resources Agency (BKSDA) and the National Park.

Programme Director Karmele Llano Sanchez said: "Based on our surveys in 2013, the area has a very low population of resident orangutans and is far from any human settlement, reducing the likelihood of conflict between local communities and orangutans. The reintroduction programme aims to do two things: supplement and increase the number of orangutans in the area, safeguarding them from extinction, whilst also supporting alternative livelihoods for local communities through monitoring, surveys, research and other activities."

Mata, an adult male orangutan, was a victim of the fires that decimated the Indonesian rainforest in 2015. He was rescued last December from a village called Sei Mata-mata. Mynah, an adult female and also a survivor of the fires, was rescued from farmland in Tanjungpura village, not far from IAR's centre in Ketapang.

After a final medical health check, Mata and Mynah were ready to embark on their new life. It took 52 hours by road to reach the village of Mengkilau. The animals were then moved into boats and taken up stream to the release site. The transport crates were fitted with large floats in case the boats should capsize in the rapids. On arrival, both cages were carried into the forest and set down in front of spectacular large trees. When the cages were opened, both animals scrambled up a tree and immediately began foraging and eating.

After the release, the local people held traditional Dayak Ransa tribe ceremonies as a tribute to the spirit of their ancestors and in gratitude for the released orangutans.

Alan Knight, CEO of International Animal Rescue, concluded: "This is a momentous event for our team in Indonesia. They have been planning this reintroduction programme for the past two years and the success of this first release augurs well for our efforts to conserve this magnificent species."

Photos and video of the release operation: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ipsqaoryjlmagbw/AADwCSYkO1fxriAniHC-F4b_a?dl=0

For further information please contact Lis Key at IAR on +44-7957-824379.