Orangutans returned to habitat

Orangutans returned to habitat

DENAPASAR, Bali: A pair of orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), Monic
and Robin, were flown back on Sunday to the Wanariset Semboja
rehabilitation center in East Kalimantan, which will release them
into their native habitat in the island's jungle.

The female orangutan, Monic, was seized by the Bali
police and the Nature Conservation Agency at a private villa,
Puri Ayu, in the Sanur area on July 31.

Along with Monic, the police also confiscated a number of
other protected animals, including two cockatoos (Cacatua
galerita), a rare red parrot (Lorius lory) and two other birds
known locally as Beo Nias (Gracula religiosa).

The male orangutan, Robin, had earlier been seized at a
private house.

Animals like orangutans and other species in zoological parks,
rehabilitation centers or other places are protected under the
law and automatically belong to the state. Trade in these animals
is banned.

Wayan Wiradjana, coordinator of the Bali branch of Animal
Conservation for Life (KSBK), said that over the last few years
Bali had become a strategic transit center for the illegal trade
in a myriad of endangered and protected animals. --JP