Updates on the Great Orangutan Project based at our rehab and releases centres in Borneo. Thanks to all the volunteers that help us save orangutans in Borneo. Visit www.thegreatprojects.com

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Katherine & Peter

After spending 3 months in quarantine, Katherine (estimated to be around 16 years of age) and Peter (perhaps as old as 25) were transferred into the orangutan dens. The move itself went incredibly smoothly, both orangutan had to be sedated to be moved, and although neither of them are keen on the blowpipe being pointed at them, the move was as stress-free as possible for humans and animals alike.



Peter's current location means he is often in view of George, one of the dominant males at Matang. Though they have seen each other before, this is the first time they have been in close proximity, and neither of them are very happy with the presence of the other. Wisely, when separated by just the bars of a cage, Peter keeps well clear of George, though he was recently seen being quite bold and pulling George's hair! Follow the link for a short video of Peter vocalising at George; this appears to be part aggression and part fear.



Though it is not clear from the video, Peter is very different in appearance to both Aman and George, though it is suspected he is older. This is because Peter is not yet a dominant male, therefore has not developed the prominent secondary sexual characteristics of such. Peter was malnourished on arrival, with no small amount of digestive worms, and it is thought that these factors inhibited his development into a dominant male. With the worms cleared and his nutrition vastly improved, we are waiting to see if he will now grow the characteristic flanges and throat pouch to mark his dominance, or whether this development will be inhibited by the presence of George. These changes are hormonally controlled, and the presence of another dominant male can delay or halt entirely another male's development.



After a couple of days alone to settle in, Katherine was mixed in the large outdoor enclosure with Doris and Ting San. Ting San spends most of her days in the jungle, so Katherine has spent the majority of her time with just Doris for company. Here is a link to a short video of one of their first interactions - Doris did not take kindly to her new housemate, and was witnessed on numerous occasions throwing various objects at Katherine, or hitting her and then bidding a hasty retreat.

Katherine has been completely un-phased by this unfriendly greeting. She has enjoyed herself exploring the new enclosure and has enjoyed interacting with Doris, seemingly unaware that her presence is resented. Doris was initially a little afraid of Katherine and has been forced to give up enrichment on occasion, which is a great change as she has for a long time had her own way entirely over Ting San.

These two orangutan now seem at peace with each other and both seem to like each others company. They still fight over enrichment, but competition can be healthy!



Katherine already has a good relationship with the orangutan keepers here at Matang. She is a very friendly orangutan and seems relatively easy to handle. The keepers are determined to include Katherine in the rehabilitation process and see no reason why she should spend the rest of her life in captivity. We will of course keep you updated on her progress, and her first jungle experience as and when it happens.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Ghanti is released

On Thursday, September 17th, Ghanti was released from her captive life at Matang. Keepers here had been awaiting Chiam's presence at the centre, so that Ghanti would have a confident orangutan to follow, and to convince her that life is better off in the trees. On the above date, Chiam did indeed return to the centre - she was seen climbing on the tower cage at the front of the orangutan dens and her and Peter were showing great interest in each other. Aman and George were furious, Aman climbing to the top of his platform in the enclosure and shaking it backwards and forth. Perhaps they did not enjoy a female's attentions being given to a sub adult male. The photo below was taken by a volunteer - it is Aman looking down upon Chiam hanging on the side of Peter's cage.



Hilary took this opportunity to open Ghanti's cage and see if she would join Chiam. Burst out through the front doors into freedom she did not, instead sat looking at the open door, and at Hilary, from the comfort of her sack for about twenty minutes. However, when it became clear we were not teasing and this was really the option available, Ghanti did indeed stroll out the front door and made off into the tree line behind Aman's enclosure, with Chiam following quickly after.

The release of orangutan from the centre is certainly bitter sweet. With both Chiam and Ghanti, it was an educational privilege to see, close up, how orangutan mothers deal with the early months after birth, and watch how the relationship and bond between mother and infant begin to develop. Seeing the youngsters mature and gain both in size and confidence has also been wonderful, but always at the back of the mind was the regret that their first learning experiences were of navigating bars rather than trees. It is with gratifying joy that we can now think of these young orangutan learning skills to equip them for a life in the rainforest.

We will keep you posted on Chiam and Ghanti's progression in their new life in Kubah National Park.

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