Popi the Orangutan Begins a New Wild Life

Quick Smiles:

• Popi the orangutan returned to her natural home after 9 years of care.
• She was joyfully reunited with friends Mary and Bonti in the wild.
• Popi’s release highlights the difference dedicated teamwork can make for endangered species.

Popi, a female orangutan once rescued as an infant, has finally returned to the rainforests of East Borneo thanks to dedicated rehabilitation by the Borneo Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA).

She was taken in as a tiny orphan in 2016, after being kept illegally as a pet near a palm oil plantation, and spent nearly a decade learning vital survival skills from BORA’s caring staff.

Instead of her mother, Popi relied on devoted humans who taught her how to climb, forage for wild foods, and build safe nests—skills she missed in her early months.

Popi progressed through Jungle School, made friends with other orphans, and was moved to a special pre-release island before her big step to freedom.

In August 2025, she reached the Busang Ecosystem and eagerly returned to the forest canopy, while monitoring teams watched on to ensure she thrives.

She was warmly reunited with Mary and Bonti, two fellow orphans she bonded with during her rehabilitation, demonstrating the power of friendship on her journey.

“This release represents the culmination of years of dedicated care and the unwavering support of our partners and donors,”

said Leif Cocks, Founder of the Orangutan Project.

Popi’s story shines as a beacon of hope for orangutans, illustrating how compassionate teamwork helps ensure the survival of these incredible animals in the wild.

The effort united BORA, the Orangutan Project, the Center of Orangutan Protection, and Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry.

Help us spread these uplifting tales and the promise they bring for orangutans everywhere!

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