Brooklyn arrived at the Sintang Orangutan Center (SOC) rehabilitation facility in Sintang on August 22, 2026, after being rescued from Nanga Ella Hilir Village, Melawi Regency, West Kalimantan. Estimated to be around five years old, Brooklyn had spent approximately two years in captivity in a small cage behind his owner’s house. Following his rescue by BKSDA Kalimantan Barat and SOC, he was placed in an isolation enclosure to begin quarantine, undergo health assessments, and gradually adjust to his new surroundings.
During his first few days at the facility, Brooklyn appeared active but somewhat shy around unfamiliar people and in his new environment. He was still adjusting to the changes in his surroundings and daily routine. His appetite was initially low, and he showed little interest in drinking milk, although he was already willing to drink water on his own. The team also noticed an interesting behavior: Brooklyn could operate the water faucet himself, not only to get a drink but also to repeatedly wet his body, seemingly giving himself a bath during hot weather.
As part of his initial health assessment, Brooklyn underwent a medical checkup on August 24, 2026. The examination included a complete blood count, HIV and hepatitis B testing, and a BTA test for tuberculosis (TB) screening. The results showed mild anemia, which required further monitoring. A follow-up blood test on September 16 showed encouraging progress, with his blood results returning to normal.
Over time, Brooklyn began to settle into his new routine. After approximately two weeks at the facility, he started accepting milk, and his appetite improved as well. These changes were encouraging signs that he was gradually adjusting to the care provided by the SOC team. Throughout this period, the team continued monitoring his eating habits, activity levels, and overall response to his surroundings to ensure that his needs were being met.
During his time in the isolation cage, Brooklyn was often observed playing with the hanging ropes and hammock provided as structural enrichment. These features gave him opportunities to climb, hang, and explore different ways of moving around his cage. Observing how he interacted with it also helped the team learn more about his activity levels and interests as he adjusted to life at the rehabilitation facility.
Another important milestone came on October 8, 2026, when Brooklyn was moved from his isolation cage to a socialization enclosure. The transfer was carried out without sedation. Although he initially appeared a little anxious, he soon became cooperative once he seemed to understand that the SOC team was simply moving him to a new enclosure. His response was encouraging, showing that he was becoming more comfortable with the team’s presence and handling.
Brooklyn currently lives alone in his enclosure, which is located next to those occupied by Redi, Otan, Julia, Banir, and Seko. Although he has not yet been scheduled for an introduction to the Forest School area, the access tunnel connecting his enclosure to the Forest School has intentionally been left open as part of his gradual habituation process. Brooklyn has occasionally been seen approaching and exploring the tunnel, allowing him to become familiar with the passage and its surroundings at his own pace before any formal introduction takes place.
The socialization enclosure also features structural enrichment similar to what Brooklyn had in his isolation cage, including hanging ropes and a hammock. With more space to move around, he now has greater freedom to climb, hang, swing, and explore his surroundings. The larger enclosure offers more opportunities for physical activity and movement, while the enrichment structures encourage him to engage with his environment in different ways.
Beyond exploring his own enclosure, Brooklyn has also shown curiosity about his neighbors. At times, the orangutans in adjacent enclosures can be seen peeking at one another through small gaps beneath the metal partitions separating their spaces or reaching their hands toward one another from above the enclosures. These occasional interactions offer glimpses of their natural curiosity and awareness of the orangutans living nearby. While Brooklyn is still housed individually, these moments allow the team to observe how he responds to the presence and activity of other orangutans around him.
On October 13, 2026, Brooklyn also received deworming treatment as part of his ongoing health care at the rehabilitation facility. This is an important component of his routine care as the team continues to monitor his condition and prepare him for the next stages of rehabilitation.
Brooklyn’s journey is still ongoing, but his progress so far has been encouraging. His blood results have returned to normal, his appetite has improved, and he has become more cooperative during routine care and handling. His growing interest in enrichment structures, exploration of the access tunnel, and curiosity about the orangutans in neighboring enclosures also provide valuable insights into how he is adapting to his new environment.
For now, the SOC team will continue monitoring Brooklyn’s health, behavior, and overall well-being, ensuring that his care is tailored to his individual needs. Through consistent care, environmental enrichment, and gradual exposure to new surroundings, the team hopes to help Brooklyn build confidence, develop natural behaviors, and prepare for the next stages of his rehabilitation at the Sintang Orangutan Center.
Brooklyn in de tunnel in interactie met Otan
Brooklyn in de tunnel in interactie met Otan