My name is Janet, and I'm one of Felix the orangutan’s babysitters at the BORA Rescue Centre in East Borneo.
Today we have something truly worth celebrating It's been one whole year since you helped rescue Felix and bring him to safety. And what a year it has been!
This is me with Felix, not long after he arrived at the BORA Rescue Centre.
Gorgeous Felix holding tight at Jungle School this year.
Your support does something truly special. It gives rescued infants like Felix the time, care, and love they need to heal and grow. Learning the wild skills they need to survive in the forest takes many years. But with you by their side, they're supported every step of the way. From their very first days at the rescue centre, through Jungle School, and all the way to freedom in the wild.
Let’s take a look back to when Felix first arrived at the rescue centre.
Felix was only a baby, rescued from a life of confinement. He was sadly being kept as an illegal pet by a local family. My team and I are very grateful that Felix was finally rescued, and that you helped make his rescue possible!
The moment Felix was freed from the tiny cage he was kept in.
When he first arrived at the BORA rescue centre, he was in very poor condition. He was small, weak, and covered in wounds from banging his head and rocking in his cage. He barely had the energy to move, and could only sit quietly in a babysitter's lap. He also had a fever, and needed medication late into the night. It was a difficult time for Felix, and for those of us who cared for him.
Felix, weak and scared, clinging tightly to his rescuer.
Slowly but surely, Felix found his strength.
Every day, he’s been learning, growing and building his forest survival skills. He’s been going to baby Jungle School, building confidence, making connections and learning how to be an orangutan again.
Now, Felix has grown into an active orangutan who loves playing and exploring the forest. Over the past year, Felix has developed strong bonds with fellow baby orangutans, who are helping him learn and grow.
One of Felix’s closest friends is Pansy, who he spends almost all of his time with in the Baby House and at Jungle School. Pansy encourages Felix to climb and swing, exploring the trees together.
Felix also loves to play with Harapi and Ochre, rolling around and wrestling together. Sometimes Felix gets so distracted by the duo, that mid-tree climb, he will rush down to Harapi and Ochre so he doesn’t miss out on any fun!
Felix with Harapi, climbing the trees at Jungle School.
Felix has come so far, and it's thanks to your kindness. But he still has many wild skills to learn before he can return to the forest for good. There are years of Jungle School ahead, and every single day matters.
I am so proud to walk alongside Felix on this journey, and so grateful that you are with us too.
Thank you for giving Felix his second chance!
Pssst! You can stay close to Felix's journey by adopting him. Your adoption gives him everything he needs to make it back to the wild: nutritious food, enrichment, Jungle School, and medical care. If you can, adopt Felix today. He needs you for the long road ahead. 🧡
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 🌳