Peter Browne
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ARTIST BIOGRAPHY "Outback Artist" Peter Browne was born in 1947 in West Wyalong NSW. Peter Browne claims to have been found under a sheet of tin in West Wyalong around 1947. Raconteur and scallywag, Peter moved into a ruin at Silverton and established it’s first art gallery, where he held court for travelers entertaining them in his almost roofless “renovated “ ruin for many years. Pete says he gets his inspiration more from the people he meets than the landscape.  His paintings reflect the humor of the bushman and he says, “they have three ingredients, humor, Aussie flavor, and emus. Peter’s medium, oil, has been inflicted not only on canvas but also on tourist’s cars, coaches, and his own beloved Volkswagens.  Of late, Pete has tired somewhat of his public life and has now become reclusive.  An encounter with this artist is like an encounter with one of his paintings and visa versa. ARTIST'S REASON FOR PARTICIPATING In the 1950s I was home schooled on a ship The Rajah Brooke plying between Singapore and Sarawak for the Straits Steamship company. My first encounter with one of these adorable creatures was on board this ship he was the Mascot of an Australian military contingent we were transporting to Labuan Borneo, I had further contact with them, wild and tame in my year in a Dayak village I love them very much and am saddened by how modern society has encroached on them, I hope my contribution to the project can help them. http://peterbrowne.com.au
ROCKY AND RICKINA
RICKINA
From Wounded Infant to Forest Leader
Rickina first captured hearts worldwide as a tiny infant orangutan, rescued in 2012 from the illegal pet trade with a deep machete wound on her head—a tragic reminder of how brutally young orangutans are torn from their mothers. Less than a year old at the time, she was brought to International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, where her long journey of healing began.
Her resilience was clear from the start. Rickina quickly bonded with another orphan, Rocky, and the two became inseparable in baby school, clinging to each other for comfort as they began learning the forest skills they never had the chance to acquire in the wild.
Now, over a decade later, Rickina has blossomed into a strong, thriving young orangutan with a big personality. She’s progressed through every stage of IAR’s forest school and now lives on a forested pre-release island, where she builds nests, forages for wild foods, and shows impressive independence.
Despite her small size, Rickina is a dominant female among her peers, known for her protective nature and leadership in social groups. She has made many new friends—especially Tulip, her closest companion—and while her old friend Rocky has now been released into the wild, Rickina continues to prepare for her own journey to freedom.
Her story has inspired millions. As a baby, Rickina became an internet sensation, with her rescue video viewed more than 5 million times. Today, she is more than a viral face—she’s a symbol of strength, survival, and what’s possible when compassion meets conservation.
With continued care and monitoring from IAR’s dedicated team, Rickina is getting closer each day to full release into protected forest—a future she truly deserves.
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​ROCKY
From Malnourished Orphan to Cheeky Wild Explorer
Rocky was just a baby when he arrived at International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. Severely malnourished, underweight, and emotionally fragile, he had likely been taken from his mother after she was killed—like so many infant orangutans caught up in the illegal wildlife trade.
At first, even fresh fruit frightened him. But Rocky’s recovery began when he was introduced to another orphaned baby, Rickina. The two bonded instantly, finding comfort in each other as they began “baby school”—a place where young orangutans learn the essential skills they’ll need to return to the wild.
Rocky soon revealed his spirited nature. He formed friendships with other orangutans like Giet and Joss, and quickly became known for his mischievous “cheeky antics”—including plotting escape attempts from the pre-release island!
Today, Rocky is living free in the wild, having graduated from IAR’s full rehabilitation program. He’s closely monitored by post-release staff, and while he enjoys climbing and exploring, he’s also been known to return to the feeding platform for his favorite treats—especially corn and sweet potatoes.
His story highlights the success of IAR’s mission, and the importance of ongoing protection for orangutans in Indonesia. Rocky is no longer a frightened orphan—he’s a bold, cheeky young wild orangutan with a forest of his own.