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A quick reply to comments…

Category: Orangutan Care Centre & Quarantine, Orangutan Foundation Staff, Rehabilitation | Date: Mar 15 2008 | By: admin

Thank you for all your comments on Montana. Clearly, his story has touched you as much as it does us. Montana spends 90% of his time in his cage, which is partly what makes it so tragic. The only time he gets out is when we need to give his cage a ‘deep clean’, put in more ropes and tyres or, as frequently, repair it! The problem is, he is so big and strong he simply cannot be taken out with the other orangutans. Even Pak Sehat (see photo below) who is magical with orangutans cannot control him.

Mr Sehat

Mr Sehat with an ex-captive orangutan (not Montana)

The other issue is that the OCCQ was never designed to provide a permanent home. It is only a ‘half-way house’ for the orangutans on their way back to the forest. Therefore, finding a long-term solution for Montana requires careful thought as the existing facilities are not designed to be used permanently, especially by orangutans of his age and size.

Photo below of Ashley Leiman (Founder & Director of Orangutan Foundation) and I hard at work!

Stephen Brend and Ashley Leiman

Many thanks,

Stephen

7 Responses to “A quick reply to comments…”

Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL, on 15 Mar 2008

Hi Stephen and welcome Ashley! Boy, this photo of Montana and Pak Sehat would leave you to believe they are buddies! Amazing how strong Montana is, even with his disabilities. It’s a shame he can’t overcome his aggressive behaviour…so he could be taken out once in a while. The tyres and ropes are great ideas! What about a mirror ( unbreakable ) inside his enclosure? Or perhaps one of those HUGE balls tigers in zoos play with? If you can think of anything to enrich this little guy’s life, please let me know. You can email me @ siskind8@msn.com Thanks again to all for taking special care of Montana.

orangutanfoundation, on 15 Mar 2008

Theresa, sorry to have been misleading, the photo of the orangutan with Mr Sehat is not Montana. Will put a note in the post to make it clear. Thank you very much for your offer of help with Montana. With many thanks the Orangutan Foundation

Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL, on 15 Mar 2008

I just assumed it was a picture of Montana when he was younger, I should have caught it! Serious about my offer…

cathy-california, on 15 Mar 2008

Is part of the problem with Montana getting out of his cage a shortage of money? Would a specific donation intended let’s say to hire 1-2 people (who could safely allow him time out of his cage 2-3X/week?) help to make this an achievable goal? I would gladly help kick-start such a fund. How much would you need? PLEASE let us know if this is possible.

sheryl, washington dc, on 16 Mar 2008

Is there not some way to build an enclosure for Montana that would incorporate natural elements such as grass and a couple of trees? I’m sure it would be expensive but if it’s possible, you know we’ll find the money.

s.

cathy-california, on 16 Mar 2008

I agree with Sheryl. And if not a different kind of enclosure, could we find a way to get him out of his existing enclosure more often than is the current situation? If it is a question of funding the manpower or building materials, let us know and we will raise some money. What else can we do to better his life? Thanks for all of your hard work!!

Annie, on 18 Mar 2008

Poor fellow….yes what can be done to help this guy?

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