Jakarta, IO – The Thai government has repatriated three Sumatran orangutans who were victims of illegal wildlife trade. This was done as part of the bilateral joint efforts to combat the trade of endangered exotic animals.
Two orangutans named Nobita (7) and Shizuka (7) were rescued by wildlife rangers through a sting operation in Bangkok, after the suspect agreed to sell them for US$20,000 in 2016. Another orangutan named Brian (5) was rescued from illegal traders in 2019, per AP, Thu (21/12).
“We are glad that the orangutans will be released to their natural habitat, but it’s also sad for the caretakers in Thailand who have been attached to the animals for several years,” said Indonesian envoy to Thailand Rachmat Budiman.
The three orangutans were transported from Thailand nature reserve to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport before being flown to Jakarta. Rachmat said the orangutan would first be housed in a rehabilitation center in Sumatra.
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Athapol Charoenchansa, Thailand’s director general of national parks, wildlife and plant conservation, said the repatriation shows the commitment of the two countries to collaborate in combating illegal wildlife trade while increasing awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation.
Thailand has sent 74 orangutans back to Indonesia since 2006. Two orangutans named Ung-Ing and Natalie were also successfully repatriated in 2020. (bp)