New Generation of Orangutans in Bukit Tigapuluh, Monitoring is Key After Release

MONITORING JANUARY, GARISBUMI.com – October 2026 recorded three encounters between a mother orangutan and her child. These findings show the importance of following the lives of animals for years after returning to the forest.

GARISBUMI.COM — Two decades after being released into the wild in March 2006, an orangutan named Candy was found again with her second child in the Bukit Tigapuluh area. The encounter is part of a monitoring record that shows the orangutan's journey after returning to life in the wild, including its ability to survive and care for the next generation.

According to information from the Ministry of Forestry, monitoring throughout January–October 2026 recorded three encounters between the mother and her offspring. These findings come in the 25th year of the orangutan reintroduction program in Bukit Tigapuluh.

This record needs to be differentiated from the number of births throughout 2026. Some of the children found are estimated to be two to three years old, while the identity of one of the parents is still being investigated.

Candy takes care of her second child, Jeky Chan, with her newborn baby

The Sungai Pengian Sumatran Orangutan Reintroduction Center (SORC) monitoring team encountered Candy on May 12 2026. She was seen with her second child, a female estimated to be two years old.

Candy's child was observed actively playing. Towards dusk, Candy builds a nest in the tree canopy to rest with her young. This encounter provides a record of his life some 20 years after release.