Deep within the lush rainforests of Borneo lies the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation’s rehabilitation center, a unique sanctuary where orphaned and rescued orangutans are taught the skills they need to survive in the wild. The center is not just a refuge—it’s a jungle school, where dedicated caretakers teach their young charges how to climb trees, forage for food, and navigate the complex dynamics of forest life.
Episodes 304 and 305 of the acclaimed documentary series Orangutan Jungle School take an unexpected and dramatic turn as a deadly disease—malaria—threatens to disrupt this haven of healing and learning. What starts as a typical week in the forest quickly becomes a crisis that tests the resilience of both the orangutans and their human caretakers.
Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, is a constant threat in tropical regions like Borneo. While it’s a familiar danger to the human population, what many people may not realize is that malaria can also affect great apes—including orangutans. The outbreak caught the jungle school off guard, as several young orangutans began showing unusual symptoms: lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and difficulty moving.
The staff quickly realized something was seriously wrong. Unlike the usual scrapes and sniffles common among young, energetic apes, this illness was something far more sinister
As symptoms spread among the orangutans, the team had to act fast. Diagnosing and treating malaria in a remote jungle setting presents enormous challenges. Veterinarians rushed to collect blood samples and used rapid diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the malaria parasite. Meanwhile, the most affected orangutans were isolated to prevent further spread.
Among the most heart-wrenching moments was seeing familiar young faces like Valentino, Cinta, and Dilla struggling to even move. Their usual energy and playfulness were replaced by fatigue and pain. These were not just patients to the caregivers—they were like family.
In these critical moments, the jungle school transformed into an emergency ward. Caretakers worked around the clock, administering anti-malarial medication, fluids, and constant monitoring. Vets kept meticulous notes on each individual’s progress, tracking vital signs and symptoms. Every decision was a matter of life and death.
