Click on the photos below to see them full size.

In February 2026, teams from Conservation Action Network (CAN) and the East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) completed a special orangutan rescue mission. What made this rescue operation unique is that it involved a mother orangutan with twin babies.

It is rare to come across twin orangutans in the forests of Borneo. It is unclear just how often twin orangutans are born in the wild since it is possible that only one baby survives as a mother struggles to support twins due to food scarcity. What was clear when this group of orangutans was spotted was that every measure must be taken to rescue the family, as they were in a fragmented forest with limited food sources.

The isolated habitat and minimal food was putting the mother and babies in a high risk situation. Immediately upon receiving the report of these distressed orangutans, teams traveled to the location and carried out detailed monitoring. After confirming the conditions in the field, the team took quick action to save the mother and her two babies.
The evacuation and relocation process was carried out carefully following strict procedures to ensure the animals’ safety. The mother and twin babies were moved to a suitable area with intact forest cover and adequate nutrient sources in a food-rich habitat. This move provided the precious family with safety and a much better chance of survival.

Orangutan Outreach is proud to partner with Conservation Action Network. The teams from CAN continue to carry out very difficult orangutan rescue operations in East Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Orangutan Outreach provides funding for these extraordinary missions and precious lives are being saved.

Date posted: March 18, 2026
Story by CAN and Orangutan Outreach

Orangutans Need Your Help!

Thank you for your generous support in these challenging times.
Donate     Adopt