In recent months, Sayang has not appeared around Camp Lesik. Unlike before, when the families of Sayang and Lesan were often seen spending time together around Camp Lesik, in recent months only Lesan and her two offspring have been spotted in the area. 

Sayang and her daughter, Padma, were recently seen along the main transect, still close to Camp Lesik. Both were engrossed in chewing Ficus, sp. As usual, our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team observed the mother-daughter pair and took notes.

Read also: AYU IS GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER!

This time, Sayang had a surprise for the team. Her stomach appeared to have grown bigger and her vulva was enlarged, indicating that Sayang may be following in Lesan’s footsteps by having another forest-born baby. This is good news for the orangutan population in the Kehje Sewen Forest!

We can’t wait to hopefully see Sayang’s new baby clinging to her in the Kehje Sewen Forest, increasing the wild orangutan population. Padma will then be a big sister - just like Ayu, Lesan’s firstborn!

Text by: PRM Team at Camp Lesik, Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan