Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

swing when you're winning

Baby orangutan found in urine soaked box now attending 'pre-school'

Gito the orangutan looked “almost mummified in his cardboard coffin” when he was found.

A BABY ORANGUTAN that was found in a urine soaked cardboard box has recovered well and has joined other orangutans in “pre-school” at an animal rescue shelter.

Gito the orangutan was found by volunteers from International Animal Rescue in the village of Merawan in West Borneo, an island in Southeast Asia. He was being kept as a pet by the head of the village, who had bought him for less than £20 (€27).

IMG_2802 Gito was suffering from sarcoptic mange when he was found and was severely malnourished International Animal Rescue International Animal Rescue

International Animal Rescue said that when they first came upon Gito he was so lifeless they thought he was dead.

He was lying corpse-like with his arms folded across his chest and this, along with a lack of hair and grey flaking skin, made him look almost mummified in his cardboard coffin.

Gito was being kept in a cardboard box that was sodden in urine and was being fed entirely on condensed milk. He was severely dehydrated and malnourished.

The volunteers rushed him to the local Forestry Department where he was treated immediately.

Recovery

International Animal Rescue recently shared on its Facebook page that Gito was recovering well in the two months since his rescue.

He is now climbing trees and is able to join the other orangutans in “pre-school” as they grow and prepare to be released back into the wild.
https://www.facebook.com/internationalanimalrescue/videos/vb.8539814909/10153792565634910/?type=2&theater

“We are pleased to report that Gito is doing very well in pre-school and his climbing is improving everyday,” said the charity.

“It is a wonderful sight to see him up in the trees, getting to know other rescued babies Asoka, Jemmi, Jecka, Limpang and Seponti.”

The charity said that Gito still has a long road to recovery, due to the extent of his mistreatment.

Anyone who would like to donate to International Animal Rescue can do so by visiting their website.

READ: 7 reasons why you should look at this baby orangutan

Your Voice
Readers Comments
21
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.