Happi was originally confiscated by the BKSDA (Nature Conservation Agency of Indonesia), in Bontang city in East Kalimantan. The APE Guardian rescue team from the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) drove 12 hours to reach him at the BKSDA office in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan. Happi came from Kutai National Park in East Kalimantan. He was estimated to be approximately 10-12 months old when he was rescued.

Happi was taken to the COP Borneo Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in East Kalimantan. Blood tests revealed he had Hepatitis B and malaria. He spent two months in quarantine where he was given intensive care to regain his health and strength. Poor Happi became quite ill on two occasions during his quarantine period but in November 2016 he was able to move to the socialisation cage where he began to make friends with other orangutans. Happi’s favourite food is papaya.

Happi commenced forest school shortly after he was moved to the socialisation area. At first he was very nervous and would cry when he was taken to the forest. A baby orangutan would normally have their mother to teach them and give them confidence in the forest. Happi proved to be a tough little cookie and within a week he was leaving the baby sitters and climbing into the canopy. Happi appears to be quite comfortable spending time by himself and doesn’t rely on other orangutans however he does like to play with other orangutans at times.

In positive news, Happi can build a basic nest by patting down twigs, branches and leaves. He becomes sleepy after being out at forest school for a while- after all it is a big effort! The forest school baby-sitters find it hard to get Happi to go back in the cage in the evening after being out in the forest, showing just how much Happi enjoys his forest outings.