Baby Orangutan Learns To Climb After Being Shot

A tiny baby orangutan who was brutally shot and torn away from his mother has finally had the bullet removed after extensive rehabilitation. Didik the orangutan captured hearts around the world when he was brought to International Animal Rescue’s (IAR) orangutan centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan - in Indonesian Borneo - with a bullet lodged in his shoulder.

IAR were alerted to Didik’s condition after he was handed over to a local shopkeeper. After months of rehabilitation and surgery little Didik is finally on the mend and is honing his expert climbing skills alongside his fellow orphans.

Despite starting his life in the worst way imaginable, this adorable orangutan now spends his days being pampered by the kind people that rescued him. He enjoys cuddling with his favorite plush toy that imitates the feeling of a mother, so it's no surprise that he is so peaceful while he lays on it and hugs it every chance he gets.

There have been many efforts in rescuing orangutans from poachers, and even though some animals don't have such luck, it is worth noting that what these rescue organizations do is of the utmost importance for preserving these kind and loving animals. Now Didik spends his days socializing with other orphaned baby orangutans, and some day he'll return to the wild so he can live his life to its full potential.

Videographer / director: International Animal Rescue
Producer: Hannah Stevens, Ruby Coote
Editor: Marcus Cooper