Orangutan "Ritchie"

The orangutan (pongo pygmaeus) is an endangered species found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. It is one of the world’s largest primates, and is almost completely arboreal (tree living). Today, there are an estimated 25,000 orangutan left in the wild. Deforestation, human encroachment on their habitat, indiscriminate hunting and the live animal trade: all are factors that have contributed to a decline in their numbers. Semenggoh Orangutans Rehab Centre in Kuching, Sarawak is one of the programmes to rehabilitate wild orangutans who have been injured, orphaned in the wild or handicapped by prolonged captivity, with the objective of subsequently releasing them back to the wild.

During my visit, there were 23 semi-wild orangutans at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Orangutans are generally solitary with distinct social hierarchy, and Ritchie, a 28-year-old male orangutan is the Head of the pack (‘The Boss') at the Centre. This is quite obvious, by the way other orangutans “respect” him eg. he eats first while the rest will wait for their turn at the leftovers, if any. Any threat to his dominance will not be tolerated- this was clearly demonstrated recently when George, a 20-year-old male orangutan had to be transferred to Matang Wildlife Reserve (May ’08) due to ‘territorial’ fight with Ritchie.

@ Semenggoh Orangutans Rehab Centre
Kuching, Malaysian Borneo