Meet Bow, our May APE Achiever of the Month!

And the best part? You helped save her. 

One of the most important ways your kindness helps orangutans is by rescuing orphans from the illegal pet trade. That’s exactly what you did for Bow, and her three precious companions earlier this year.  

Bow was stolen from the forest, taken from her mother, and shipped all the way to Thailand. Thanks to your support, she was rescued from the horrors of the black market, and safely brought back home to Sumatra, where she belongs.

Bow in her first few months at our SRA rescue centre, recovering from the trauma of being stolen from the forest and sold on the black market.

She’s now at our SRA rescue centre in North Sumatra, settling into the next chapter of her life. She’s with Noon, Raiking and Jay, three orangutans who share her story and are all in the early stages of rehabilitation. 

At just two years old, Bow is taking her first swings towards freedom. She’s started Baby Jungle School, where she is learning to climb, forage, build nests, and most importantly, how to be an orangutan. 

Take a look at this adorable video of Bow after a big day out in the forest:

Bow is a feisty little girl with a big personality. She loves to play, and her carers will tell you she's not shy about using her sharp little teeth! She loves her food, and when she's not chomping away on crunchy snacks, she loves to curl up with her milk bottle.

She's also found a very special friend in little Maximus. The two are inseparable. Playing together, exploring together, and going to Baby Jungle School side by side. Their friendship has been a turning point for Bow. She used to cling tightly to Jay and depend on him for comfort. But with Maximus by her side, she plays more freely and explores with growing confidence. It's a joy to watch.

Little Bow in her night enclosure, always with some food and hilariously adorable energy!

With amazing people like you showing up for her, Bow is healing. She’s making connections, building confidence, and letting her personality shine. Soon, she’ll be swinging through the trees with ease. And you can know, with full confidence, that you helped her get there. 

Here's a special message from me at our rescue centre in Sumatra, to thank you for all you have done for Bow. Watch til the end, to see Bow’s fantastic climbing skills at Baby Jungle School!

Bow is safe. She’s healing. And she’s learning to be wild again. She couldn’t have made it this far without you. Thank you for being here for her when she needs it most. 

Program: Sumatran Rescue Alliance (SRA)
Location: North Sumatra, Indonesia
Run by: SRA is a collaboration with our COP and OIC partners, and the Ministry of Forestry 🌳