Heartbreaking photos circulating about what was called a mummified orangutan baby that shocked rescuers who found him still alive, and they gave a glimpse of his cruel life, but not the whole picture, according to The World Post. Here is the story of the little orangutan, who was later named Gito.
Gito was being kept as a pet in Indonesia by Pak Ajung, the head of a village in Ketapang's Simpang Hulu district on the Island of Borneo, when non-profit International Animal Rescue was contacted by the local rescue group Centre for Orangutan Protection. The Centre was very concerned about little Gitos welfare.
"The condition of Gito on our team's arrival was shocking even for them, who have seen hundreds of captive orangutans," IAR spokeswoman Lis Key said. "Gito looked as what can only be described as a mummified baby orangutan with a severe skin condition."
"The condition of Gito on our team's arrival was shocking even for them, who have seen hundreds of captive orangutans," Key added. "Gito looked as what can only be described as a mummified baby orangutan with a severe skin condition."
In addition to a severe case of mange, the sickly orphan was also suffering from malnutrition, severe diarrhea and dehydration.
"Gito was being kept in an instant noodle cardboard box, wet from his own urine, and given only sweetened condensed milk from a can," continued Key. Little Gito was left in his urine-soaked cardboard box in his weakened state in the sun to die. He was so weak he couldn't even sit up.
Gito is now being cared for in IAR's orangutan rehabilitation center in Ketapang, West Borneo, where he has a long road ahead of him in his recovery.
"Our team has seen a significant increase in the number of baby orangutans being kept as pets and some of them have only recently been taken from the wild," said Alan Knight, head of IAR, according to Metro. "This is the result of forest fires devastating Indonesia and leaving wild orangutans without food or shelter."
Gito continues to make progress daily thanks to the wonderful rescue efforts of IAR. He is just one of many orphaned, and IAR needs your help. Donations of any size are gladly welcomed and can be made here.
Despite the horrendous condition of Gito, he is making progress now that he is in the right hands, and IAR representatives are hopeful that given time, he will return to health and lead a good life now with people who care.
