Budi’s story is one that is absolutely heartbreaking, but it is also one of bravery and perseverance. For the first year of his life, Budi was kept in a chicken cage and fed on nothing but condensed milk, which was slowly killing him.
This abuse wreaked havoc on his bones and muscles and the poor animal was too frail to move or sit on his own. The baby orangutan was rescued by International Animal Rescue and taken to their rescue centre in Ketapang, Indonesia.
Budi resting at the International Animal Rescue centre in Kentapang, Borneo.
When he arrived, Budi’s condition was extremely critical. Every movement caused him extreme pain. Budi didn’t even have the muscle strength to open his own mouth. He was showing signs of severe malnutrition and screamed in pain every time he was moved by the vets.
Budi with bottle at International Animal Rescue
“We cannot even imagine how much pain this small baby has suffered”, says Dr Karmele L Sanchez, International Animal Rescue Programme Director in Indonesia. “His eyes fill with tears every time he’s moved by the doctors and he screams in pain. It’s really amazing that Budi has been able to survive this long.”
IAR’s staff worked around the clock to take care of him. The video below shows just how bad a shape Budi was in when he was rescued.
But survive he did and now the courageous baby orangutan is making a slow recovery under the watchful eyes of IAR’s staff. He can now sit unsupported for short periods of time. He can also open his mouth to eat.
Photo credit: International Animal Rescue
He still is in pain when he has physiotherapy, but the exercise, medical treatment and a nutritious diet are helping Budi’s muscles develop and he can now even climb on his own.
Budi enjoying a climb. Photo credit: International Animal Rescue
He also recently got to meet another orphaned baby (Jemmi) just like him. Neither of the babies had met another orangutan since they were taken from their mothers at a very young age.
Budi makes a new friend, Jemmi. Photo credit: International Animal Rescue / YouTube
The video below is of Budi meeting Jemmi for the very first time. Their reaction to one another is heart-melting.
A month later, Budi and Jemmi got to meet more orangutans at baby school. Every one of these animals has a sad story. But they were all happy to meet one another and Budi and Jemmi were happily exhausted from their visit.
Budi has a very long way to go on the road to recovery and it will be years before he may even be eligible to be reintroduced to the wild. One thing is for sure, the orangutan is showing the world what true bravery and love is all about!
Share Budi’s heartwarming rescue story with your friends and family!
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.