In fantastic news, Septian has been released into the forest at the Jantho Reserve in the province of Aceh. This release site is run by Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP). The Orangutan Project (TOP) is a SOCP partner and provides funding for the SOCP Orangutan Quarantine Centre in North Sumatra and release site.
Septian was transferred to the pre-release cages at the Jantho release site in Aceh on 16 April 2016. He spent a few weeks in the cages with other orangutans so he could adapt to the climate and surroundings. Septian and the other orangutans were given jungle foods and termites to eat. Septian was keen to try most of these which was very positive.
Septian is adapting to his new forest life very well. He is staying near the other released orangutans and he sometimes comes back to the cages. He is already eating wild fruit and building nests in the canopy, both vital skills for a wild orangutan to have. He is being monitored very closely and given supplement food while he adapts to forest living.
As Septian adopters well know, he has always been very close with Seroja. However, due to Septian’s increased independence, it was decided that he was ready to make the transition to the Jantho forest. It is hoped that Seroja will be released at Jantho later this year. If Septian is still close by it will be interesting to see how the two respond to each other after their separation. Septian may even be the one to guide Seroja and help her adjust to her new forest surroundings, just as she took him under her wing when they met at the SOCP Orangutan Quarantine Centre years ago.
Thank you so much to all of our Septian adopters who have supported his rehabilitation over many years. His freedom has been made possible with generous support from his adopted parents. You should have received an email from us about Septian’s release and the transfer of your adoption to Cece. Please contact Rebecca on 1300 REDAPE or email rebecca.buswell@orangutan.org.au if you have any queries.
