Thailand Orangutans Repatriated to Indonesia
After a long wait of 3 years, on November 22nd 2006, 48 orangutans that had once been smuggled to Thailand were finally returned to their home in Indonesia.
The arrival of these 48 orangutans at the Halim Perdanakusumah Airport in Jakarta was welcomed by Ibu Ani Yudhoyono (the First Lady of the Republic of Indonesia) and formally presented by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, Atchara Seriputra. The 48 orangutans were immediately flown to Central Kalimantan to be rehabilitated at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
The success of this repatriation cannot be detached from the hard work and campaign of various organizations, including ProFauna Indonesia. Since 2004, ProFauna has been continuously conducting campaigns in Indonesia for return of these orangutans. Four ProFauna demonstrations have been noted to take place at the Thailand Embassy in Jakarta, and one demonstration in Bangkok in the year of 2005. ProFauna’s campaign in Indonesia, where the orangutans originated, has played a vital role in the success of returning these orangutans home.