AN AMAZING ENCOUNTER WITH SVENJA
Our PRM team in the Hiran watershed of TNBBBR conducts phenology surveys and unexpectedly encountered Svenja.
In early January 2015, our Nyaru Menteng team together with BKSDA travelled to Tumbang Jiga village – located in the remote regions of Katingan Regency in Central Kalimantan – after receiving a report that a baby orangutan was being held captive.
In the village we were shown a tiny infant being kept in a small local rattan basket, normally used to carry produce from the farm. Our vet, Meryl, quickly lifted her out of the basket and could immediately tell she was suffering from a high fever. The confiscation was quickly concluded and the team transported the tiny female to Nyaru Menteng for medical treatment. We named her Meryl.
At Nyaru Menteng the vet team discovered that Meryl was suffering from influenza and malaria. But with 24-hour care, provided by our dedicated medical team and babysitters, she made a full recovery and started her rehabilitation in the Nursery Group where she spent the next year developing her skills, and learning and playing with other baby orangutans.
In February 2016, Meryl skills had developed enough to move into the larger nursery group, for the stronger and more daring young orangutans. Meryl is one such individual, and while she is still a toddler, she has no trouble climbing high up in the trees.
We are delighted with Meryl’s progress and will continue to nurture her as she develops new skills in the hope that one day she can once again live freely in natural habitat.
This #OrangutanCaringWeek you can take action to help us save orangutans like baby Meryl. Simply click: support.orangutan.or.id to donate! Make a difference today.