Endangered Bornean Orangutans Find New Home in Japan

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo – Indonesia and Japan have strengthened conservation cooperation to protect the endangered Bornean orangutan. A concrete step was the introduction of two orangutans, Jennifer and Hayato, to the Japanese public at Tobe Zoo in Ehime Prefecture on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Jennifer is a female Bornean orangutan brought from Taman Safari Indonesia through the International Reproductive Loan Program, while Hayato is a male orangutan born in Japan.

Jennifer’s arrival is part of a conservation program designed to support the sustainability of the Bornean orangutan population. This species is endemic to Indonesia and faces serious threats to its survival.

Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini P. Sjahrir, in remarks delivered by Ima Yudin Rayaningtyas, Forestry Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, said the program represents a concrete example of international cooperation to protect species on the verge of extinction.

"The orangutan reproduction loan program between Indonesia and Japan is an example of international cooperation to support the conservation of endangered species. We hope Jennifer and Hayato can adapt well and become symbols of friendship between Indonesia and Japan,” Kartini said, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond wildlife conservation, the program also serves as a form of environmental education, introducing Indonesia’s rich biodiversity to the Japanese public.

Ehime Prefectural Governor Tokihiro Nakamura expressed appreciation for the support of the Indonesian government and Taman Safari Indonesia in implementing the program. He hopes Jennifer and Hayato will breed and contribute to the success of orangutan conservation in the future.

“We hope Jennifer and Hayato can live healthy lives, adapt to each other, and ultimately contribute to the success of the orangutan care program,” Nakamura said.

Tobe Zoo Director Takaaki Ikeda emphasized that his team will closely monitor the health and welfare of the two orangutans to ensure they adapt well.

“The most important thing for us is ensuring that Jennifer adapts well and feels safe in her new environment. We will continue to closely monitor the health and behavior of Jennifer and Hayato in accordance with animal welfare principles,” he said.

According to the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Jennifer’s presence in Japan is the result of coordination between various parties in both countries, including permit processing, health checks, and transportation arrangements, all in compliance with international animal welfare standards.

The Bornean orangutan is currently listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This status indicates that the species faces a very high risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and other environmental pressures.

Comprehensive conservation efforts are therefore crucial, including protecting its natural habitat in Indonesia (in situ conservation) and managing populations outside it (ex situ conservation).

The collaboration is expected to contribute to global efforts to ensure the survival of one of Indonesia’s most iconic animals. ***