{
  "id": 8572676,
  "title": "Bukit Merah’s orangutans could become a lifeline for the species",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/bukit-merahs-orangutans-could-become-a-lifeline-for-the-species-8572676",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-20T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/20/bukit-merah-s-orangutans-could-become-a-lifeline-for-the-species"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island, a conservation project aims to cultivate a sizable, genetically diverse orangutan population that could act as a safeguard for the species if its numbers were to dwindle in the wild. Among the 15 orangutans residing on the island, the youngest is Orked, a one-year-old who has no concept of extinction. Conservationists plan to maintain around 50 orangutans, a figure believed to provide hope for rebuilding populations should a catastrophic decline occur in the wild, though achieving this goal may take 15 to 20 years.\n\nCurrently, the island uses only a portion of its 6ha area, with space nearing capacity. Although there is room to accommodate a larger population, the target remains at 50. The presence of both male and female orangutans presents challenges, as males can display aggressive territorial behavior as they mature. For example, one male named Mike had a serious confrontation with another named BJ, which resulted in Mike's death. To manage the genetic diversity, the foundation is exploring potential exchanges and breeding partnerships with other organizations caring for orangutans.\n\nOrangutan births are spaced apart by years, with mothers closely bonding with their infants for five to seven years. Consequently, natural population growth is slow, making the introduction of new orangutans from other sources necessary. The island's orangutans also offer researchers a rare opportunity to study animal behavior in a controlled setting, as wild orangutans are often challenging to observe due to their elusive nature. The knowledge gained from this managed population could contribute to a deeper understanding of orangutan behavior and contribute to the species' conservation.\n\nCaring for the orangutans on the island is a demanding task, with a team of 17 individuals, including rangers, nurses, and a veterinarian, responsible for their well-being. The island currently relies on a diesel generator for power, with electricity available for about 12 hours a day. A shift towards partial solar energy is planned to alleviate some of the power-related challenges, as well as to enable round-the-clock care for the orangutans. As the orangutan population grows, so will the associated costs and complexities of their care, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and collaboration in conservation efforts.",
  "summary": "A 50-strong population could one day help protect these endangered animals against a catastrophic decline in the wild.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Bukit Merah’s orangutans could become a lifeline for the species",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/bukit-merahs-orangutans-could-become-a-lifeline-for-the-species",
        "published": "2026-09-20T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}