NORTH SUMATRA, Indonesia — Welcome to jungle school, where orphaned orangutans are learning the basics for survival that they will need for life in the wild. At the Orangutan Information Centre (OIC) in North Sumatra, vets and biologists are rehabilitating orangutans who have been confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. Once they have mastered the basics of climbing, building nests and finding food, the aim is that they will one day be returned to the wild. The Sumatran orangutan was once found throughout the island of Sumatra’s lowland forests. But due to decades of habitat loss, poaching and conflict killings they have experienced an estimated population decline of over 80% in the last 75 years. Sanctuaries in Sumatra like OIC are working on the frontlines of conservation, to give these rescued orangutans a second chance at life. Mongabay’s Video Team wants to cover questions and topics that matter to you. Are there any inspiring people, urgent issues, or local stories that you’d like us to cover? We want to hear from you. Be a part of our reporting process—get in touch with us here! Banner image: Collage featuring Izzy Sasada, Mongabay contributor, with an orangutan. Natural bridges to reconnect the last Javan gibbonsThis article was originally published on Mongabay
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