We all know that person around the office. Always on the go, they move like a phantom through the corridors; rewarding us with a bright smile before disappearing into the ether. This month we snatch a rare moment with Ibu Sumi, OFI’s very own friendly and busy staff member. Ibu Sumi is the Deputy Manager… Continue reading Employee Spotlight: Ibu Sumi
Category: Stories
Bear of the Month for Sept, 2018: Chico
Among the young and innocent animals that arrive at Orangutan Foundation International’s (OFI) Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) in Central Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan Tengah) desperately in need of care are not only orangutans but also sun bears. Chico the bear is a comparatively new arrival at OFI’s Care Center. This young juvenile’s distinctive sun… Continue reading Bear of the Month for Sept, 2018: Chico
Orangutan of the Month for August, 2018: Robina
At the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) in Central Indonesian Borneo, OFI (Orangutan Foundation International) staff provide milk for the older orangutans in OFI’s care. Caregiver Ibu Tuti always looks forward to her encounters with orangutan Robina or “cantik (beautiful) Robina” as she calls her. Indeed a beauty, Robina’s light ginger locks are long… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for August, 2018: Robina
Friend of OFI: Irene Spencer
“Into the Wild” Irene Spencer means business. “Everyone have a seat cushion?” trills her distinct east-coast American accent. Irene is directing guests to various vehicles under a lightening Bornean sky. In general she is concerned about her guests’ comfort. Today specifically, it is the comfort of their behinds. “It’s a bumpy ride,” she states, “but… Continue reading Friend of OFI: Irene Spencer
Enrichment, Fun for All the Animals
At the Orangutan Foundation International’s (OFI) Care Center in Indonesian Borneo where approximately 300 wild born ex-captive orangutans reside, it is a familiar sight to see Ibu Mariyanti and her enrichment team, going to and from facility to facility. With bright blue bags brimming with various items slung over their shoulders, the team members bring… Continue reading Enrichment, Fun for All the Animals
Orangutan of the Month for July, 2018: Kuba
Everybody remembers their first house. Dreams are cast, plans are made and pennies are gathered until the jubilant day the homeowner wakes up in their new bed. Given that orangutans share so much in common with humans, they may look on their first nest with a similar sense of pride. One infant orangutan in OFI’s… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for July, 2018: Kuba
Ant & Termite Nest Hunting for Enrichment
The Bornean rainforest contains an array of wildlife. In population size and richness of species, nothing compares to ants and termites, the “recyclers” of the rainforest. Staff at OFI’s Care Center in Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) use these insects to provide natural enrichment and vital nutrition for those animals who, for a variety of reasons,… Continue reading Ant & Termite Nest Hunting for Enrichment
Orangutan of the Month for June, 2018: Allisson
All orangutans have their own needs and learning styles. At the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) in Central Indonesian Borneo, the OFI staff respect the unique personalities of each orangutan. Allisson is a focused and methodical orangutan, and one who does not like to be rushed. Allisson arrived at the Care Center when she… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for June, 2018: Allisson
Bear of the Month for May, 2018: Bubu
“Bubu’s Beginnings” With the vanishing rainforest, the grim reality facing us today is that more and more wildlife is displaced and coming into conflict with humans, usually resulting in the animal’s harm or death. Such circumstances led to one young bear’s arrival at the Orangutan Care Center in Pasir Panjang in Central Indonesian Borneo. Merely… Continue reading Bear of the Month for May, 2018: Bubu
Employee Spotlight: Ibu Cici
It is early morning in Central Kalimantan and the air still holds a whisper of the previous night’s coolness. Soon enough, the heat of the day will arrive and settle like a thick blanket. In the early morning hours, there is an audible rustling among the seedlings at the OFI Herbarium, where the reforestation nursery… Continue reading Employee Spotlight: Ibu Cici