Background Story

JoJo was the first orangutan to be rescued by International Animal Rescue (IAR). In fact, he was the very reason IAR created the Ketapang Orangutan Rescue Center in 2009. When Dr. Karmele Llano Sanchez, IAR’s Director of Operations in Indonesia, first came across JoJo, his condition brought her to tears. He was sitting in an open sewer surrounded by feces and garbage. His ‘owners’ had chained him up on a wooden pallet and his body was hunched over and weak from a lifetime spent in a tiny cage with an insufficient diet. He was severely emaciated and the tight chain around his ankle had caused a deep, open wound. Despite the horrific living conditions, JoJo had a sparkle in his eye, so there was still hope for this beautiful soul. JoJo was rescued from this horrific situation in 2010 and brought into care at the newly established Ketapang orangutan rehabilitation center in West Kalimantan (Borneo). He was around 10 years old at the time of his rescue.

JoJo Today

JoJo is receiving lifetime care from Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI). Due to having spent so many years in a small cage with poor nutrition, JoJo developed rickets and does not have full use of his legs. It would not be safe for JoJo to return to the forest as he does not have the physical abilities and skills needed for survival. JoJo is considered “unreleasable” and he will receive lifetime care from YIARI. While JoJo spent 15 years at the YIARI Center in a caged enclosure receiving medical care, proper nutrition, and stimulating enrichment, his quality of life became greatly enhanced in 2025. After years of planning and construction, a fully forested 2 hectare enclosure was completed for the unreleasable orangutans. JoJo now has access to a safe, naturalistic space where he can finally climb trees and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest around him. Proceeds from JoJo’s adoptions will help provide him with a continued life of compassionate care anchored in dignity and respect.