Temara was released into the rainforest in Bukit Tigapuluh in Sumatra, Indonesia in 2006 as part of the Sumatran Orangutan reintroduction program to establish a new population of the critically endangered species in the wild.
She was born at Perth Zoo on 14 September 1992, the daughter of Puteri and Hsing Hsing. Temara was naturally raised by Puteri. For many of the orangutans at Bukit Tigapuluh, this is not the case. They have been orphaned and/or rescued from the illegal pet trade and poachers.
Temara had the advantage of a natural upbringing and the security of her mother for 13 years. When she was released at Bukit Tigapuluh, she was 14-years-old and at the natural age of dispersal (when an animal leaves its mother) for a female orangutan.
In addition to her secure and nurturing upbringing, Temara also displayed intelligence, independence and good problem solving skills. All of this made her a good choice for release.
Temara also had the opportunity to observe an infant orangutan being raised by her mother. This will greatly improve her chance of being a successful first time mother in the Sumatran rainforest.
Psychological well being is the most important factor when releasing a captive or ex-pet orangutan. Temara was well equipped to handle the transition from a zoo environment to the rainforests of Sumatra.
Release Preparation
Temara was given a wide variety of food at the Zoo and was always keen on her browse, fodder and feed. She was used to human company, however, was wary of keepers when they entered her exhibit for contact sessions. These were positive traits for releasing an orangutan.
She was given extra vegetation to construct her sleeping nests and given full access to the outside exhibit overnight to accustom her to sleeping outdoors.
Temara had access to a mature 30 metre high fig tree for climbing and nest making. This improved her fitness and muscle tone to assist with the transition to tall rainforest trees. Crate-training took place in preparation for her transport.
Journey to Bukit Tigapuluh
Temara left Perth Zoo in November 2006 and travelled by plane to Jambi where she was transported by helicopter to the release station at Bukit Tigapuluh. She was kept in the quarantine complex for two weeks before she was released into the rainforest surrounding the station.
She was tracked every day for three years by two trackers and Perth Zoo staff who visited Bukit Tigapuluh regularly to check on her progress. Temara soon learned how to build a nest and find food, though there were occasions when her trackers supplemented her food during the dry season.
She also learned to keep off the ground and travel through the tree tops. Her health and condition remained good throughout the time she was tracked.
After Release
The goal was for Temara to live independently in the forest and establish her own territory away from the release site. After being closely monitored for three years, Temara is now making her own way in the forest.
Although sad they may not see her again, Perth Zoo staff who have played such an important role in Temara’s life and release are excited about the future prospects for Temara and her species. They, like all of us, hope that the next time Temara is spotted, she may be pregnant or have an infant.
