BOSF Comes to the Rescue for Rare Albino Orangutan in Central Kalimantan

A rare albino orangutan recently rescued by environmental activists is under the care of a leading organization. The five-year- old female orangutan was held captive by residents in Central Kalimantan, where deforestation has destroyed the habitat of dozens of species.

The white-haired and blueeyed female orangutan is being cared for by a local animal protection group and may soon be released back into the wild. The extremely rare animal is the first to be discovered by a local rehabilitation centre in 25 years. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) revealed on its website that it has conducted a physical examination and determined the orangutan has albinism.

"A preliminary physical examination conducted by our medical team has determined this is an albino orangutan: her hair, eye and skin color is paler than normal and she is also sensitive to light," the foundation said, as quoted by Thomas Reuters Foundation.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Bornean orangutans are identified as “critically endangered” after their populations declined by more than 60 percent between 1950 and 2010. The population has dropped after illegal hunting and severe destruction of natural habitats. IUCN has predicted a possible further decrease between 2010 and 2025.

The orangutan will remain in the care of BOSF as the foundation continues to assess her health and physical condition before taking further action in an effort to ensure her long-term welfare.