You might remember Husein. You helped rescue him, and give him a second chance at life.
He was rescued in September 2024, found on the side of the road with deep cuts across his legs and hands. An open wound scarred his face. He was terrified, alone, and in agony.
The wounds on his legs suggested Husein had likely been tied up, kept illegally, and mistreated for a long time.
But because you’re there for orangutans, Husein was brought to safety, and given a second chance.
Your support helped bring him to our BORA rescue centre, where our team gave him urgent medical care. As they treated his wounds, they discovered something truly devastating: Husein had permanently lost his sight.
Caring for a blind orangutan is complex. But our BORA team is committed to giving Husein the best life they can. And your kindness makes that possible.
Moving into an enclosure was a big adjustment for Husein. To help him feel safe and comfortable, his carers introduced him to positive reinforcement training. This gentle training method uses rewards like verbal praise, honey and his favourite fruits to build trust.
Using sound-based cues, Husein's carers guide him between positions in his enclosure. This process helps to lower stress, and helps him to feel calm and safe with the people caring for him.
Husein also has regular behavioural enrichment activities, like feeder balls and hollow logs with hidden food for him to forage, just as he would in the wild. Swing ropes help him build natural arm strength, the same muscles he'd use swinging through the forest canopy.
Watch this video of Husein having his teeth brushed by one of his carers. At the end of the video his carer says “pintar” which means “smart” in Indonesia. We agree, Husein is so smart!
Husein’s progress is remarkable. He is thriving. He recognises the sounds of his enclosure, the rhythm of his surroundings, and the footsteps of his own caregivers. Losing his sight has sharpened his hearing, and he now notices instantly when someone approaches, even before they call his name.
He moves confidently between spaces in his enclosure, often without any guidance at all. This progress has also made it far easier and safer for our medical team to clean his eyes and carry out the treatment he needs.
None of this happens without you. Husein's rescue was only possible because of you. His treatment and his recovery happened because you care. And his long-term care continues because you choose to stand with orangutans like Husein.
Thanks to you, Husein is experiencing the calm, safety, and dignity every rescued orangutan deserves.
Program: Borneo Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA)
Location: East Borneo, Indonesia
Program Partner: BORA is a collaboration with our COP partners, and the Ministry of Forestry 🌳