Throughout June, Sinta and Sabine remained in stable condition in the isolation enclosure. Both individuals maintained healthy appetites, exhibited normal behaviors, and showed no health concerns. The veterinary and animal keeper teams continued conducting routine health and behavioral monitoring to ensure that both orangutans were in optimal condition ahead of their long-awaited release.

The moment everyone had been anticipating finally arrived. Following a series of health examinations and administrative preparations, Sinta and Sabine were scheduled for release into their natural habitat in Betung Kerihun National Park on 30 June 2026. Preparations began on the morning of 28 June 2026. As part of the standard anesthesia protocol, Sinta was fasted prior to sedation. Later that afternoon, once the anesthesia procedure had been safely completed, she was transferred into a transport crate in preparation for the journey to the release site.

The overland journey to Putussibau took approximately six hours. To ensure the welfare of all five orangutans scheduled for release, the team made three scheduled stops to provide food and drinking water while monitoring each individual’s condition throughout the trip. Traveling at night was intentionally chosen to reduce travel-related stress by avoiding the daytime heat and minimizing delays caused by heavier traffic.

The following morning, the journey continued by motorized boat to the Mentibat Release Station within Betung Kerihun National Park. The river serves as the only access route to the remote release area deep within the protected forest. After approximately three hours on the river, Sinta and Sabine arrived safely at the release station.

In total, the journey to the release site took approximately nine hours, consisting of six hours of overland travel and three hours by boat. Upon arrival at Mentibat, Sinta and Sabine, together with three other orangutans—Benazir, Jamilah, and Ulin—were placed in a habituation cage for one night. This temporary habituation period allows the orangutans to rest and recover from the long journey while gradually adjusting to the surrounding environment, ensuring they are calm and well-prepared before entering the forest the following day.

The next morning, Sinta and Sabine, along with the other three individuals, were transferred back into their transport crates for the final journey to the Jepala Lala Release Site. Although moderate rainfall fell across the area, the release proceeded as scheduled. Once all final preparations had been completed, the release process officially began.

Sinta and Sabine were the second pair to be released, following Jamilah and Ulin. As soon as the transport crate door was opened remotely using a rope system, Sinta, carrying Sabine securely on her body, emerged without hesitation and immediately climbed the nearest tree. Her swift response demonstrated that her arboreal abilities and natural instincts remained intact, instinctively seeking safety in the forest canopy. Immediately afterward, the Monitoring Team began nest-to-nest follow observations, a post-release monitoring method in which field staff follow the orangutans from one nesting site to the next to document their movements, feeding behavior, nest-building, habitat use, and overall adaptation to life in the wild.

This release marks the successful conclusion of a long rehabilitation journey and the beginning of a new chapter for Sinta and Sabine. Equipped with the natural skills they have regained throughout rehabilitation, the team is optimistic that both individuals will adapt well to their new home and thrive as independent wild orangutans.

The success of this release was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of many individuals and organizations involved at every stage of the process—from rescue and rehabilitation to the final return to the wild. We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners, supporters, and everyone who helped make Sinta and Sabine’s journey home possible.

Sinta en Sabine

Sinta en Sabine

Sinta en Sabine

Sinta en Sabine

Sinta en Sabine

Sinta en Sabine

Sinta en Sabine