Did you know your kindness has been with Popi, from the very beginning? You’ve helped her grow, learn, and become the wild orangutan she was born to be. And just recently, your generosity made one of the most important moments of her life possible.
In August, Popi finally took her first steps into true forest freedom. After a long journey by car and boat, she gently emerged from her transport crate and climbed high into the trees of the lush Busang ecosystem in East Borneo. It was a moment years in the making. And one that you helped create!
Today, we're taking you behind the scenes of Popi’s story, to meet the people that know her best. Because with your help, Popi’s journey back to the forest was guided by the patient, devoted carers who became her family, when she needed one most.
Popi and one of her favourite carers, Linau, at Jungle School in 2021.
Popi’s story began in 2016, when she first arrived at our BORA Rescue Centre. She was just eight weeks old, tiny, fragile and frightened.
“Popi was still so small back then,” remembers Jevri, one of her very first carers. “She was so young, her umbilical cord was still attached.”
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Little Popi when she was a tiny baby, rescued from life as an illegal family pet.
With gentle hands and patient hearts, Popi’s carers gave her the love and safety she needed to heal. And with your help, Popi soon began Jungle School, where she learned to climb, forage, and explore the forest that would one day be her home again.
“At first she was shy,” says Jevri. “But soon she learned to eat insects, build nests, and behave like a wild orangutan again.”
“Popi made a huge transformation,” adds Linau, another of her carers. “When she first arrived, she didn’t know how to find natural food. Now, she knows everything she needs to survive. She now even prefers the company of other orangutans, just like she should.”
Indah smiles when she remembers Popi’s unique, playful side. “She loves the water! Splashing in puddles and playing in the small river.”
Through every step of recovery, you stood beside her. Your kindness gave Popi’s carers the tools and time they needed to teach her how to be wild again. To give her a real chance at life in the forest.
When the time came for her release, Popi’s carers felt both joy and sadness.
“I’m going to miss taking Popi to forest school,” says Steven. “And I am going to miss how Popi acted so differently to the other orangutans,” adds Linau.
And although they’ll miss her, they are so grateful to see her finally free. Just as she should be.
“At first we were sad,” says Jevri, “but also happy. Popi could finally be free. It’s a beautiful kind of sadness.”
From day one, Popi formed a strong connection with her carers. And with your help, they guided her through years of Jungle School, all the way back to the wild.
“I’m happy to have witnessed everything Popi learnt in Jungle School, and proud to be a part of her journey to freedom,” says Steven.
Her carers each have one wish in common. That Popi thrives in the wild, finds friends, and maybe even starts a family of her own.
As Indah puts it: “I was so touched to see her climb into the forest. I hope she adapts well, and one day raises her own young.”
Because of you, Popi’s story has come full circle. From a frightened infant to a strong, wild orangutan.
Popi’s team of carers have a special message for you:
“Thank you for standing by her side, every step of the way. Popi is now free in the wild, and it’s because you helped us guide her there. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
Every step of Popi’s journey, from rescue to release, was made possible by you. Thank you for helping her find her way home. I hope her carers’ words remind you just how powerful your kindness truly is!
Program: Borneo Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA)
Location: East Borneo, Indonesia
Program Partner: BORA is a collaboration with our COP partners, and the Ministry of Forestry 🌳