This is the story of Alba, she is the world’s only known albino orangutan! Alba received her name in a naming contest in May of 2017. Alba’ is the Latin word for ‘white.’
The BOS Foundation and the Central Kalimantan Natural Resource Conservation Agency rescued Alba in April of 2017 in a joint effort with the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Fittingly,
After her rescue, the special orangutan has led a good life. However, she gained national attention and people were concerned about her well-being and longevity of life. Because of her albinism, Alba is at risk of health complications including hearing problems, poor eyesight, and skin cancer. She is also more vulnerable to hunters because of her unique lack of pigmentation.
Because of these potential threats, the BOS Foundation created a special 10-hectare man-made island for her to live in complete freedom without worry.
In June 2018, Alba will be moving to her personal island in paradise, along with three other orangutan friends. Radmilla (a 4-year-old female), Kika (a 6-year-old female), and Unyu (a 4-year-old male). They will all be living with Alba in the protected forest. The three orangutans have been introduced to Alba, and they all get along wonderfully.
All of the orangutans will be monitored 24 hours a day and have constant security. The staff plans on conducting regular patrols, as well as collecting data on their health and behavior.
The construction of Alba’s private island in Indonesia is currently is close to completion.
The canal that serves as a natural border for the orangutans’ island was completed in 2017, and the security and monitoring infrastructure is currently under construction. The staff is also building two feeding platforms in which supplementary food will be provided twice a day for the primates.
The BOS Foundation is hoping to continue to collect donations for Alba’s new home. The collected money will help build additional security posts, as well as fund the orangutans’ daily needs — like medical care for Alba. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here.
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