
We are overjoyed to share the news that not one, but two of OFI Australia’s foster orangutans have found their freedom!
Ryan and Charlie were permanently released back to the wild in Tanjung Puting National Park just before Christmas. The best Christmas gift we could ever have wished for! They were joined by eight other orangutans who were released at various OFI release sites within the National Park in late December. That makes it a total of 24 rehabilitated orangutans OFI permanently released back to the rainforests of Borneo during 2024.
Dr Biruté Mary Galdikas attended both Ryan and Charlie’s releases, travelling many hours by truck, boat and foot to reach the remote jungle locations. She spent time with each orangutan before they were released, saying a prayer, and wishing them well for their future.
When the doors were opened, both Ryan and Charlie leapt out of their transport cages without hesitation, and immediately climbed high up into the trees, relishing in the sights, sounds and smells of their new-found freedom.
We are thrilled to share both Ryan and Charlie’s release videos with you so you can experience these incredible moments for yourself.
It seems like only yesterday Ryan and Charlie arrived at the Orangutan Care Centre and Quarantine (OCCQ) as small and timid orphans. Ryan, now 12, and Charlie, now 14, have both flourished under our care and matured into strong and self-assured adults with all the essential life skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the wild.
It was bittersweet to see Ryan and Charlie go, for while we were incredibly sad to say goodbye, we are so proud of their achievements and grateful to have been part of their journeys. And, they were the very first orangutans in OFI Australia’s foster program to be rehabilitated and released back to the wild since its inception, making it an even more special time. We couldn’t be prouder!
Releasing a rehabilitated orangutan back to the wild requires a lot of time, patience and determination. Caring for orphaned orangutans and providing them with the skills, love and emotional support they need to thrive is just one part of this complex process. We must also protect and patrol orangutan habitat, purchase land and restore degraded forest areas so there are safe places in the wild to release them.
Before rehabilitated orangutans are released, they are given full health checks and microchipped. Once released, the OFI team continues to monitor the orangutans from a distance to ensure they adapt to their new surroundings and thrive in their new environment.
Ryan and Charlie when they arrived at the Orangutan Care Centre and Quarantine as infants.
It has been a long journey to rehabilitate Ryan and Charlie, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Special thanks to their foster parents who have been there for them every step of the way. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your love and care for Ryan and Charlie.
We are currently caring for over 260 orphaned and displaced orangutans at our Care Centre who need your love and support. Please consider joining our foster program and helping our orphans on their rehabilitation journey.
Read all about and foster one of our orphan orangutans here