Thailand sends 3 orangutans rescued from illicit wildlife trade back to Indonesia

Thailand has repatriated three Sumatran orangutans, victims of the illicit wildlife trade, back to Indonesia. This joint effort between the two nations aims to combat the illegal wildlife trade. The orangutans, named Nobita and Shizuka, both aged 7, and Brian, aged 5, had been residing in a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand’s Ratchaburi province.

Following their repatriation, Thai authorities no longer have any trafficked orangutans under their care. Indonesia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Rachmat Budiman, expressed mixed feelings about the repatriation. While he is pleased that the orangutans will return to their natural habitat, he also feels sadness for the Thai caretakers who had formed bonds with these animals over several years.

The journey of the orangutans took them from the sanctuary to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where they were subsequently flown to Jakarta. Indonesia covered the transportation expenses and conducted health examinations for the animals.

Upon arrival in Indonesia, the orangutans will be placed in a rehabilitation center in Sumatra before eventually being released into their natural habitat. This repatriation holds significance as it underscores the commitment of both countries to collaborate in combating the illicit wildlife trade. Athapol Charoenchansa, Thailand’s director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, expressed hope that this act would raise awareness about wildlife conservation in the region.

During their time at the Bangkok airport, Thai and Indonesian officials provided the orangutans with bananas and dragon fruit while they were inside their crates. Notably, Nobita and Shizuka were rescued as infants during a sting operation in 2016. They were discovered in Bangkok and had been offered for sale online for $20,000. Their heartwarming image hugging each other tightly in a basket went viral at the time. Brian, another male orangutan, was rescued from traffickers and sent to Thai wildlife officials in 2019.

This repatriation marks the latest in a series, with Thailand having sent a total of 74 orangutans back to Indonesia since 2006, including the three orangutans repatriated on this occasion. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) strictly prohibits international trade in orangutans. These critically endangered creatures are native to the forests of Sumatra and Borneo, but their habitat is diminishing due to increased agricultural land use, leaving them vulnerable to poaching.

Orangutans are frequently exploited for the pet trade and for display in zoos and other attractions. This repatriation effort reflects a commitment to safeguarding these magnificent creatures and preserving their dwindling natural habitat.

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More about Orangutan Repatriation

• CNN: Thailand sends 3 orangutans rescued from illicit wildlife trade back to Indonesia
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – Orangutan Conservation
• The Jakarta Post: Thailand repatriates three orangutans to Indonesia
• The New York Times: Orangutan Trade in Indonesia