Raising to Release: The Story of Dela Mawar and 4 Baby Orangutans

At the Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Center in Merasa Village, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Dela Mawar, a 20-year-old, cares for four baby orangutans: Lukas, Hannes, Jack, and Panji. Her role extends beyond that of a mere keeper; she is also a teacher at the 'forest school,' imparting essential skills for survival in the wild. These baby orangutans are often victims of human-wildlife conflict, orphaned after losing their mothers, or become lost when their habitats are disturbed. Without their mothers, they lose the crucial guidance needed to learn survival techniques. Mawar works to prepare them for a return to the forest by teaching them to climb trees and reawakening their wild instincts. Caring for baby orangutans shares similarities with raising human infants. They can experience fear around unfamiliar people, cry, and compete for food. Behind their playful antics lie individual experiences of loss and trauma. Mawar vividly recalls her first encounter with Lukas, a small, red-furred infant with soulful eyes. Lukas mistook Mawar for his mother, suckled while making soft sounds, and fell asleep in her arms. Mawar, a native of Merasa Village and of Dayak descent, grew up understanding the forest not just as a dwelling but as a source of life. Engaging in wildlife conservation was a choice deeply connected to her identity and the values inherited from her community. However, the work is far from easy. The rescue center is located far from urban centers, with limited communication facilities. Conservation workers also frequently need to travel to conflict zones.