Jennifer and Hayato: Two Orangutans Carry Friendship of Indonesia and Japan

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo — At Tobe Zoo in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, two Bornean orangutans are now carrying a story bigger than themselves. Jennifer, a female orangutan from Taman Safari Indonesia, and Hayato, a male orangutan born in Japan, were officially introduced to the Japanese public on Saturday, June 6, 2026, through the “Orangutan Jennifer & Hayato Unveiling Ceremony.”

For many visitors, the ceremony was a first meeting with Jennifer. But for Indonesia and Japan, it marked another chapter in a long conservation journey built on trust, scientific cooperation, and shared concern for one of Indonesia’s most iconic endangered species.

Jennifer arrived in Japan under the International Collaborative Breeding Loan Program, a cross-border conservation initiative designed to support the future of Bornean orangutans. Hayato, meanwhile, represents Japan’s role in caring for the species outside its natural habitat. Together, they are expected to become more than a breeding pair. They are being seen as living symbols of friendship between the people of Indonesia and Japan.

Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini P. Sjahrir, stated that the introduction of Jennifer and Hayato was not only about wildlife conservation. In a message read by Forestry Attaché, Ima Yudin Rayaningtyas, Ambassador Kartini said that it was also about strengthening people-to-people friendship through environmental education and the promotion of Indonesia’s biodiversity to the Japanese public.

“As one of the world’s mega-biodiversity countries, Indonesia views wildlife conservation as a shared responsibility that requires cross-border collaboration. The Orangutan breeding loan program between Indonesia and Japan is a concrete example of international cooperation in supporting conservation efforts for endangered species," she said, quoted from official statement.

We hope Jennifer and Hayato can grow healthy, adapt well, and become conservation ambassadors as well as symbols of Indonesia–Japan friendship,” she added.

Governor Nakamura also conveyed his appreciation for the support from the Indonesian Government and Taman Safari Indonesia in bringing Jennifer to Tobe Zoo. He said her presence was meaningful for Ehime, not only in supporting the orangutan breeding program, but also in bringing the people of Japan and Indonesia closer.

“We will take the best possible care of Jennifer. We hope Jennifer and Hayato can live healthily, adapt well to each other, and eventually contribute to the success of Orangutan breeding,” Governor Nakamura said.

The governor further added that the Ehime Prefectural Government is opening opportunities for the public to contribute through donations. The support will be used to strengthen facilities and management needed for the international wildlife breeding program.

Chairman of Ehime Zoo Association, Tadashi Murakami, said Jennifer’s arrival was an important moment for Tobe Zoo and the association in strengthening the role of zoos as centers of conservation, education, and international cooperation. “Jennifer’s presence at Tobe Zoo is the result of valuable cooperation and trust from Indonesia. We hope the meeting of Jennifer and Hayato can become an important step in Orangutan conservation, as well as a symbol of Indonesia–Japan friendship,” Murakami said.