ORANGUTAN IN ART

JEMMI 

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From Cardboard Box to Canopy Climber
The tiniest survivor of heartbreaking beginnings, now thriving among the trees.

On 14 October 2014, International Animal Rescue (IAR) in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, took in their smallest ever orangutan—Jemmi, a tiny infant estimated to be under six months old and weighing just 2kg. Jemmi was found tied up inside a cardboard box at a house in Pesaguan. The man keeping him claimed he had “found” Jemmi alone in the forest, but given Jemmi’s age, it is heartbreakingly clear his mother was likely killed and he was taken from her.

Jemmi’s rescuer, an ambulance driver named Pak Dodi, was called to the property for an unrelated matter. Upon seeing Jemmi’s situation, he took the baby home, fed him sweetened condensed milk, and gave him bolsters to cling to for comfort before notifying the Forestry Department (BKSDA). After five days, Jemmi was handed over to IAR for specialist care.

On arrival, Jemmi was in a fragile state—malnourished, dehydrated, and with a swollen leg from being tied up. He clung to his cushion with desperate need for comfort. IAR’s team immediately placed him under 24-hour care, providing proper infant formula and round-the-clock emotional and physical support.

Despite his tiny size, Jemmi showed incredible resilience. He formed a deep bond with another young rescue, Budi, and the two became close companions. Their early days were filled with gentle play, clinging to ropes and practicing climbing as they grew stronger.

By April 2015, Jemmi had graduated to baby school and was thriving in his new group of young orangutans. His early trauma faded as his natural instincts bloomed. He is now climbing, playing, and learning vital forest skills such as foraging and nest-building in forest school.

Jemmi’s transformation is a testament to the power of expert care and compassion. Though there is no current confirmation of his release, he remains a strong candidate for eventual reintroduction to the wild. The team continues to monitor his development closely as he swings ever closer to freedom.