Orangutan Project

TOP is a non-partisan organisation that collaborates with several orangutan conservation projects.  They also provide habitat protection through its own programs to deter wildlife poaching, illegal logging and land clearing in Indonesia.

TOP’s philosophy is to work flexibly and tailor what is necessary to get the job done for orangutan conservation and welfare, with TOP’s organisations needs always subservient to the best outcome for orangutans.

The projects funded by TOP not only include direct orangutan conservation, such as orangutan rescue, rehabilitation and release programs, but also forest habitat protection and regeneration, education, research and local community partnerships.  Tying funding to direct outcomes for the species has enabled TOP to partner with the majoirty of orangutan conservation projects operation on the group today in Borneo and Sumatra.

Meet “Happi”…

Sex: Male

Approximate Date Birth: Aug 1, 2015

Arrival Date: Aug 1, 2016

Rehabilitation Centre: COP Borneo, East Kalimantan

Physical Condition: Healthy and growing well

Bio

Happi was originally confiscated by the BKSDA (Nature Conservation Agency of Indonesia), in Bontang city in East Kalimantan.  The APE Guardian rescue team from the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) drove 12 hours to reach him at the BKSDA office in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan.  Happi came from Kutai National Park inEast Kalimantan.  He was estimated to be approximately 10-12 months old when he was rescued.

Happi was taken to the COP Borneo Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in East Kalimantan.  Blood tests revealed that he had Hepatitis B and Malaria.  He spent two months in quarantine where he was given intensive care to regain his health and strength.  Poor Happi became quite ill on two occasions during his quarantine period but in November 2016 he was able to move to the socialisation cage where he began to make friends with other orangutans.  Happi’s favourite food is papaya.

Happi commenced forest school shortly after he was moved to the socialisation area.  At first he was very nervous and would cry when he was taken to the forest.  A baby orangutan would normally have their mother to teach them and give them confidence in the forest.  Happi proved to be a tough little cookie and within a week he was leaving the baby sitters and climbing into the canopy.  Happi appears to be quite comfortable spending time by himself and doesn’t rely on other orangutans however he does like to play with other orangutans at times.

In positive news, Happi can build a basic nest by patting down twigs, branches and leaves.  He becomes sleepy after being out at forest school for a while – after all it is a big effort!  The forest school baby-sitters fihnd it hard to get Happi to go back in to the cage in the evening after being out in the forest, showing just how much Happi enjoys his forest outings.

Meet “Sudin”…

Sex: Male

Approximate Date Birth: January 1, 2019

Arrival Date: May 1, 2021

Rehabilitation Centre: Sumatran Orangutan Reintroduction Centre, Bukit Tigapuluh, Sumatra

Physical Condition: Healthy and growing well

Bio

Sudin was transferred to a quaratine facility in Jambi, Sumatra, where he underwent full medical checkups. Sudin was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease.  After a few weeks his health and behaviour improved immensely. Sudin is an active orangutan with a good appetite.

Sudin’s favourite foods include grapes, sour fruits, and green beans. Since his rescue, Sudin’s confidence has grown, and his cheeky nature now shines through. He loves to play outside his enclosure in the nearby trees. He has even started to try and build a basic nest by folding over leaves and twigs. Sudin will spend the next few years at the Open Orangutan Sanctuary in the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem where he will join Jungle School and begin his rehabilitation journey.