Perth Zoo to release second orangutan

• Perth Zoo orangutan to be released into protected rainforest
• Return of threatened species to its native country supported by WA and Indonesian Governments

A Sumatran orangutan born and bred at Perth Zoo will be released into a protected rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia, as part of international efforts to re-establish a population of this critically endangered species in the wild.

In just over two weeks, six-year-old Semeru will become the first zoo-born male orangutan in the world to be released into the wild, following in the footsteps of another history-making Perth Zoo orangutan, Temara.

Temara became the world's first zoo-born orangutan to be released into the wild when she was successfully released in the same area in Sumatra in November 2006.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said Semeru would be transferred by air to Indonesia on Sunday (October 16) and would spend two weeks in quarantine before his release into the Bukit Tigapuluh area, as part of an established reintroduction program.

"Semeru will be closely monitored and supported on a daily basis with two dedicated trackers for two years and longer if necessary while he adjusts to life in the forest," Mr Marmion said.

The Minister said a team of veterinarians, keepers and zoo officials had spent the past year meticulously planning and preparing Semeru for his transfer and release.

"Semeru's pre-release preparation has included the introduction of Indonesian fruits, enrichment items to sharpen his foraging skills and access to a large fig tree to increase his fitness and hone his climbing and nest-making skills," he said.

"Semeru has also been fitted with a radio transmitter implant which will help trackers monitor him in the dense terrain of Bukit Tigpauluh."

Mr Marmion said the release of Perth Zoo born orangutans Semeru and Temara provided the opportunity to increase the numbers and genetic diversity of the reintroduced population. 
 
       Fact File

• Bukit Tigapuluh is guarded by specially trained anti-logging and anti-poaching Wildlife Protection Units which Perth Zoo helps to fund
• With the support of the Indonesian Government, the orangutan reintroduction program has released 139 former pet trade and orphaned orangutans into the Bukit Tigapuluh area since December 2002
• Semeru was chosen for release based on his temperament and age
• For more info: http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/semeru-orangutan-release-5390/

Minister's office - 9220 5000