It’s the moment we have all been working hard and hoping for. Tommy is graduating from the Foster Program, as he has reached the next milestone in his rehabilitation journey. Currently Tommy, along with enclosure mate of many years orangutan Ponti, is on the waiting list to undergo a soft release into a “haha”. This is a one-hectare area of forest surrounded by a dry moat. Once in the haha Tommy will have the chance to practise and refine all the skills he has learned at Forest School, such as sleeping in the trees at night. OFI caregivers will observe from afar, and ensure Tommy is ready for the next stage – the “hard release.” This will see Tommy finally return to the wild, where we are sure he will thrive. There is still work to be done. The next update will probably be when Tommy is ready for release!

Join us as we reminisce about this beautiful and big-hearted orangutan.

From his youngest days as an infant at Pondok Dua, Tommy has enjoyed releases to Forest School where he has acquired the skills he needs to look after himself. Orangutans would normally learn everything from their mother, and at OFI we aim to provide the security and opportunities for them to teach themselves. Tommy has successfully taught himself how to build a nest, forage for food, and interact with his peers. It takes a village – including foster parents and caregivers – to ensure Tommy succeeds.

It’s been a long process, and those who have been with us all the way will appreciate the time and effort that goes into raising an orphaned orangutan. We’ve shared many happy memories along the way as well. These included Tommy’s time as a juvenile where he played with other orangutans his age but also explored the Learning Forest on his own.

Pak Denni, one of Tommy’s caregivers at the time recalled a drizzly day, where Tommy wandered further and higher in the trees than we had ever seen him venture before. By brandishing some milk, Pak Denni was finally able to convince Tommy that playtime was over for the day. “He slid down the tree like it was a fire pole; he loves milk,” he laughed. We also saw Tommy develop and begin to show an interest in female orangutan, Dodot, often attempting to charm her and engage in play.

By 2020, Tommy graduated to the next step of his rehabilitation and moved to another Pondok. The advantage of this new home was that it was closer to the forest, so Tommy could begin his day in the forest even sooner. He had his orangutan friend Valentino for company, but Tommy did miss the familiar surroundings of Pondok Dua. On one occasion he disappeared into the forest and was later found not far from there! Beneath Tommy’s vivacity lies a tender soul.

Tommy was always a picky eater and required some extra food and supplements over the years. He was still a healthy orangutan but would look more svelte when compared with his peers.  Foster parents may recall Tommy’s lack of hair at points in his life but with extra care and attention he is now a big and formidable looking orangutan with lovely hair, thick and  plentiful.

Soon there will be no limits to what he can achieve. Tommy will complete his journey to become a “person of the forest.” We look forward to informing you of the day when he is released into the wild, which would not have been possible without you.

On behalf of Tommy and all of us, we thank you!

Click here to download Tommy’s August 2025 Foster Update