The West Kalimantan Natural Resource Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the IAR Indonesia conducted the release of the orangutans, IAR Indonesia's Program Director, Karmele L. Sanchez, noted in a statement.
"The orangutans were rescued from illegal rearing, and before being released, they were rehabilitated at IAR's orangutan rehabilitation center in Ketapang. The rehabilitation is aimed at enabling their recovery in their natural habits and helping them learn survival there," Sanchez remarked.
Sanchez stated that the orangutans would stay with their mother until they reach the age of six to eight and learn survival skills from her.
"The rehabilitation process will take time and money. Currently, IAR Indonesia has 90 orangutans in its rehabilitation center. The rehabilitation process can take seven to eight years based on their ability to survive," she noted.
In 2016, IAR Indonesia had established a monitoring station to observe the orangutans released into the area. Local villagers will be involved to record their activities for a year or two to ensure that the wild animals can survive and adapt to their new habitat.
Related news: BKSDA-IAR rescue two orangutans in Ketapang
Related news: Indonesian forest fire chokes millions of people, animals
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Andilala, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
