Jenny Ras
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
I have always had a love of art. My mother was an artist, and there was never a shortage of art materials to experiment with as I was growing up. I always loved drawing, and filled many drawing books during my childhood. After leaving school, getting married and raising a family, I had little time left over for art. I have four children, three of whom are on the autistic spectrum, so I was kept very busy! Last year, I decided to was time to make some time for myself, so I bought some coloured pencils, and I haven't looked back. I have been fortunate enough to have completed many commissions, had my art featured in books and magazines, made some wonderful friends and learned so much. I'm excited to see where my art will take me in the future.
https://www.facebook.com/jennydrawsallthethings
ARTIST REASON FOR PARTICIPATING
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I first decided to become involved in this project mainly because, like most people, I found orangutans to be adorable, and fascinating in their intelligence. It is only now, after researching more and learning about what Jessica and all the other volunteers are doing, that I realise what dire straits the orangutan are in, and how important it is to help with their conservation.
JOYCE
Traded for Petrol. Returned to the Wild.
Joyce was rescued on 13 January 2013 after being kept as a pet for a year. She arrived at International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre at just over a year old, dressed in baby clothes and fed on a poor diet of milk and rice. Her former owners had bartered her for petrol—a stark reminder of the deadly fate her mother likely faced.
But from the beginning, Joyce showed she was meant to return to the wild.
Playful, clever, and confident, she quickly progressed through Baby School and into Forest School, where she honed vital survival skills like climbing, foraging, and nest building. Her best friend was Gunung, who followed her devotedly—even as she led him astray on countless jungle adventures. Joyce was often spotted with her mouth open, tasting the breeze, completely immersed in forest life.
In 2013, Joyce fractured her right tibia and had to temporarily pause her forest education. With rest, pain relief, and enrichment to keep her mind busy, she healed well—and returned to her lessons stronger than ever.
On 23 November 2016, Joyce and four other orangutans were released into Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Parkin West Kalimantan. This release was a collaborative success between IAR, the Centre for Conservation and Natural Resources (BKSDA), and BBBR National Park staff.
Joyce’s journey—from a baby stolen from the forest, to a bold young female living wild once more—embodies the mission and magic of orangutan rescue and rehabilitation.
She is home.