Happy World Orangutan Day!
Today is the best day of the year, as the world comes together to celebrate our wonderful orange cousins, while raising awareness on the importance of protecting their species.
Which is why I am absolutely thrilled to introduce you to this month’s incredible APE Achiever. Because not only is this the sweetest story, it’s HUGE news for orangutan conservation.
Meet Candy.
After her rescue and spending time in rehabilitation, Candy was released into the protected forests of Bukit Tigapuluh in Sumatra in 2006. I was very lucky to spend some time observing Candy soon after her release, when I was completing some field work in the rainforest. It was an absolute joy to see her adapting to her new environment, and living the wild life she was born to have.
In 2014, something very special happened. Candy gave birth to her first offspring, adorable Chili. Her first baby, born in the wild!
She successfully raised little Chili, who has now grown up and moved off to build her own life in the rainforest.
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Candy and her first offspring, Chili.
Candy hadn’t been spotted by our monitoring team for over two years. So imagine the delight when she recently reappeared in the forest…
With a brand new baby girl by her side!
Candy’s daughter is about two years old. She doesn't have a name yet, but we can confirm that she's doing beautifully.
This is Candy now, with her second offspring, born in the wild!
Candy and her gorgeous little baby.
The precious infant spends her days close to Candy, following her through the forest, and learning to forage. She’s slowly building the confidence to explore, and has even started playing on her own. She was spotted swinging on liana roots just a few metres from her mum, while Candy calmly watched over her.
Candy herself is spending most of her time foraging or resting. That's exactly what we want to see. It means she's saving her energy for the job that matters most right now: raising her daughter.
Every orangutan baby born in the wild is one big step back from the edge of Extinction for their species.
Candy had the chance to breed in a safe, protected forest, thanks to you. Your support gave her that chance. And now, it’s giving her daughter a future.
We haven't spotted Candy and her little one since this wonderful day, but we’re keeping a close eye out. And the moment we do see them again, you'll be the first to know. We might even have a name to share!
Thank you so much for all you do for orangutans. I hope this story makes you feel proud, and inspires you to keep taking action for the survival of their species. Because Candy’s story is proof that your kindness is making a real difference. 🧡
Kylie Bullo
Conservation Project Manager
Program: Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program
Location: Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem, Sumatra, Indonesia
Program Partner: This program is a collaboration with our Frankfurt Zoological Society partners, and the Ministry of Forestry 🌳