An adorable baby orangutan is making a slow recovery after being rescued from a woman who had kept him as a pet in a chicken cage and fed him on condensed milk for a year.

The video above shows Budi (Boo-di) receiving love and care at the International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) Orangutan Rescue Centre in Ketapang, Borneo.

“Budi had spent more than ten months in a chicken cage, drinking only condensed milk,” said Dr Ayu Handayani, who responded to a call from a woman in Kubing who said her pet was sick.

Ever since Budi was captured while still a small baby and until he was rescued, he was given no solid food.

“The owner said that she was afraid to give Budi any fruits and thought that giving condensed milk would be sufficient,” Dr Ayu added.

Budi’s condition was critical but after a journey of more than ten hours by boat and by road, he arrived safely at the centre.

The baby was severely malnourished and his body was swollen up with fluid because he lacked protein.

Initial reports from Dr Ayu stated that Budi was extremely weak, unable to move and also suffering from severe anaemia. Budi is receiving round-the-clock care by a team of vets.

“We cannot even imagine how much pain this small baby has suffered,” said Dr Karmele L Sanchez, IAR’s Programme Director in Indonesia.

“His eyes fill with tears every time he's moved by the doctors and he screams in pain. It's really amazing that Budi has been able to survive this long.”

Budi has built up the strength to sit up on his own and vets say he has a long way to go on the road to recovery.

“At the moment we are still worried for his life and trying to minimise his pain,” Dr Karmele added.

“But Budi is a very strong little baby and he is fighting very hard to survive.”

Alan Knight OBE, Chief Executive of International Animal Rescue, said: “Budi is yet another victim of the illegal trade in primates in Indonesia. He has been deprived of his mother’s love and protection and of his health and freedom just so that someone can make money by selling him as a pet.

“So far his short life has been filled with pain and misery but from now on he will be given expert care and the best possible chance to return one day to his home in the forest.”

Video credit: International Animal Rescue

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