After Releasing To the Jungle, Alba, The Only Known Albino Orangutan Is Alive And Well

Conservationists released three rehabilitated orangutans into Indonesia’s Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park. The team was delighted to encounter a familiar and unique face while monitoring one of the primates, whose name is Unyu. After her own release into the wild, Alba, the world’s only known albino orangutan, made an appearance amid the rainforest. She seems to be doing just well.

Source: Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation

Alba is a rarity among rarities with her bright blue eyes and pale fur. The Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli orangutan species are all severely endangered and today exist only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and on the island of Borneo, which is shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. As vast tracts of their original forests have been removed for agricultural uses, particularly palm oil extraction, these great apes are largely threatened by habitat loss. Orangutans are sometimes hunted for food or attacked when their diminishing habitat pushes them into contact with humans.

Source: Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation

Alba, a Bornean orangutan, was reportedly rescued in 2017 after being caught and caged by locals in Borneo's Indonesian region, according to Gizmodo's George Dvorsky. Officials with the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) and the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency found her dehydrated, distressed, and parasite-infected.

Five-year-old Alba was taken to the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Center after being saved. She spent nearly two years under human supervision. Alba is albino, being more prone to a variety of health issues, including poor vision, hearing, and light sensitivity. Although Alba's recuperation was sluggish, BOSF reported that she had "excellent climbing and socialization skills." Alba and another rescued orangutan named Kika were set free in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park in December 2018. This protected region is crucial in the effort to safeguard orangutans.

During the rehab process, conservationists took considerable care to keep the orangutan from becoming accustomed to humans, lest she loses her independence. However, Alba never really had a problem with this because, according to BOSF, she had a "firm dislike for human presence from the very beginning." Alba was pleased to be free of her human caretakers after being let out of her cage and climbing to the top of a nearby tree.

Source: Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation

Alba is still present in the national park today, and BOSF conservationists report that she is doing well. Alba spends most of her time exploring new areas while foraging in the wild. According to BOSF, she also enjoys sleeping, making nests, and interacting with other orangutans.

Agung Nugroho, head of the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, said, "I have received reports that Alba is capable of extensive exploration, skillful foraging, and deft nest building." "She also socializes with other released orangutans within the national park. This is truly positive. We all hope that Alba continues to survive in this forest, and live wild."

Source: Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation

The newly released orangutans and Alba will continue to be observed by conservationists. In the end, they're hopeful that the apes will be able to live on their own and that Alba will stay away from more human contact, particularly poachers. The extremely endangered status of orangutans makes these conservation initiatives crucial.

What do you think of this unusual albino orangutan? What do you know about albino individuals? In your view, what can we do to contribute to wildlife preservation? Please leave your thoughts in the comment below and check out other posts on our site for more fascinating news and ideas!