Our team in Indonesia is providing intensive care for a baby orangutan that is seriously ill after suffering months of neglect. For the first year of his life little Budi was kept as a pet in a chicken cage and fed entirely on condensed milk.

Budi arrived at IAR’s Orangutan Rescue Centre in Ketapang in December. A local from Kubing in Ketapang had informed the authorities that she was willing to hand over a small baby orangutan that she had been keeping as a pet. She also admitted that the baby was very sick. The rescue team, Rudi from the Agency for Natural Resources Conservation in Ketapang (BKSDA), Andi from the Gunung Palung National Park, and Dr Ayu Handayani and Riyan from IAR, responded to the call immediately. After a journey of more than 10 hours by boat and by road, Budi arrived safely at the centre.

Budi's condition was extremely critical during the journey and on arrival at the centre. "Budi had spent more than 10 months in a chicken cage, drinking only condensed milk," said Dr Ayu Handayani. Ever since Budi was captured while still a small baby, until he was rescued by IAR and BKSDA, this infant had been 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.”

Inevitably Budi presented signs of severe malnutrition. His body was swollen up with fluid owing to the lack of protein. Initial reports from Dr Ayu state that Budi was extremely weak, unable to move and also suffering from severe anaemia. Budi is being monitored and observed round the clock by IAR’s team of vets.

"We cannot even imagine how much pain this small baby has suffered", says 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 is now making a slow recovery in the International Animal Rescue clinic. At first he didn’t have the strength even to sit up on his own but can now sit unsupported for short periods of time. He is also being treated for a severe metabolic disease affecting his bones. His limbs are malformed because malnutrition has prevented them from developing properly. Budi has a very long way to go on the road to recovery and it is still too early to know whether he has sustained any permanent damage.

Karmele adds:"At the moment we are still worried for his life and trying to minimise his pain. But Budi is a very strong little baby and he is fighting very hard to survive."

Video - Crying Budi receives loving care after a year of neglect

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