On Tuesday 19 August, 2025, in celebration of International Orangutan Day, JoJo, the first orangutan rescued in 2009 by Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) in collaboration with the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), has finally been able to climb trees and experience the forest after more than 20 years.
This milestone was made possible by the creation of a two-hectare semi-wild forest enclosure at YIARI’s orangutan rehabilitation centre in Sungai Awan Kiri village, Muara Pawan, Ketapang, West Kalimantan.
JoJo, now over 25 years old, has a heartbreaking backstory. He was found in deplorable conditions in 2009, chained to a post in a backyard with only 30 centimetres of movement, surrounded by garbage and without shelter from the elements. The chain had cut deep into his skin, causing severe and infected wounds.
Karmele Llano Sánchez, YIARI’s CEO, recalls the day she first saw JoJo. “It was one of the hardest days of my life. All I could do was clean his wounds and move the chain to his other leg, because at that time, there was no orangutan rescue facility in West Kalimantan. I had to leave JoJo there because we had no other choice.”
This moment became a turning point, as the lack of facilities to help orangutans like JoJo motivated Karmele and her team to establish the Ketapang rehabilitation centre in 2010. The centre was created in partnership with YIARI, West Kalimantan BKSDA, and with support from International Animal Rescue. The centre aims to rehabilitate orangutans who have been taken from the forest and kept as pets, so they can return to the wild and live as nature intended. International Animal Rescue continues to support and fundraise for the rehabilitation centre.
JoJo’s previous owner admitted to keeping him as a pet since infancy. By the time he was rescued at around 10 years old, he had missed the vital years when a young orangutan learns survival skills from its mother – skills that are essential for life in the wild.
Upon arrival at the centre, the team discovered that JoJo was suffering from rickets caused by years of malnutrition and lack of sunlight, leaving his legs bent and unable to bear weight. He had to walk using his arms and also endured chronic pneumonia, which took years to treat.
Unfortunately, JoJo’s health problems mean that he cannot be released into the wild. However, the new forest enclosure offers him the next best thing – a safe, naturalistic space where he can live with dignity and enjoy the sights, smells, and textures of the forest.
The construction of the enclosure began in 2022. Designed for orangutans with permanent disabilities, chronic health issues, or those who have spent too long in captivity to survive in the wild, it also provides a home for residents such as Monte and Jimo. Building it was a challenging task, as it involved navigating difficult forest terrain and ensuring safety for both the animals and the care team, as well as helping the orangutans adapt to using the space.
Karmele expressed her emotions about this momentous occasion, saying, “This is a very emotional moment for all of us. Seeing JoJo climb a tree, even if he is not yet agile, is proof that he is finally experiencing a small piece of the freedom that was once taken from him. When he first came out into the enclosure, JoJo was scared. He only dared to stay outside briefly before retreating to his cage. But slowly, he has gained confidence and is now exploring the surrounding trees.”
The project was made possible through the support of the Ministry of Environment via the West Kalimantan BKSDA, along with donors and partners such as the Moondance Foundation, Orangutan Outreach, and International Animal Rescue UK.
Murlan Dameria Pane, Head of the West Kalimantan BKSDA, praised the initiative, saying, “We appreciate YIARI’s efforts in supporting a better life for wildlife that cannot be released, such as JoJo. This enclosure is a concrete example of a long-term commitment to orangutans with physical or health limitations. With it, we can ensure optimal animal welfare while also supporting conservation work for orangutans and other wildlife at the local level.”
Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, also shared his thoughts, saying, “It’s incredible to see the majestic JoJo in the new enclosure and climbing trees. International Animal Rescue’s supporters are passionate about orangutans. Through our commitment to the rehabilitation centre with YIARI and the West Kalimantan BKSDA partnership, there is renewed hope for the species.”
While JoJo may not have full freedom
