Orphaned Baby Orangutan Rescued After Spending 6 Months in a ‘Tiny Cage’ and ‘Unthinkable’ Conditions

Mar. 15, 2025

Felix the orangutan.Photo:The Orangutan Project

The Orangutan Project

Then detailing that the young animal was being treated for a fever and anemia, the organization said they were “hopeful he will make a full recovery.”

Felix the orangutan.The Orangutan Project

In a Februaryupdate on their blog, TOP said that the orangutan — who has since been named Felix — is “healing beautifully” and his “health is steadily improving.”

TOP also said that Felix will soon joinother orphaned orangutansat their Jungle School, where he “will learn forest skills to survive on his own once released back in the wild.”

Felix the Orangutan.The Orangutan Project

“From climbing to foraging, these lessons are crucial steps in his journey back to freedom,” TOP continued in the blog post, adding that while “Felix’s path will be long,” his “resilience” and the “unwavering support” of organization donors gives them “every reason” to believe he will thrive.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Orangutans are currently listed as “critically endangered,” which is the highest level of endangerment possible for animals in the wild, according to theWorld Wildlife Fund(WWF).

TheSmithsonian’s Zoo and Conservation Biology Instituteexplains this is primarily due to habitat loss from timber harvesting and palm oil agriculture. Additionally, they note that the illegal pet trade is “booming” in Southeast Asia and “infant orangutans are very popular pets.”

Those interested in donating to help support TOP and help animals like Felix can do sohere.

source: people.com