In 2009, Dr. Karmele Llano Sanchez, experienced vet and Chief Executive of YIARI, was called to treat a young captive male orangutan. The encounter proved to be life changing.
JoJo was chained to a wooden pallet over a filthy sewer. Years of captivity and malnutrition had left him stunted, with weak, malformed limbs, and a deep infected wound from his shackle. Karmele treated his injury, but leaving him there broke her heart.
The day I first met JoJo was one of the hardest days of my life. All I could do was clean his wounds and move the chain to his other leg, because at that time there was no orangutan rescue centre. I made a promise to him that I would come back and rescue him.
A Promise Kept
Determined to help, Karmele Llano Sanchez and Alan Knight OBE, formulated a plan to rescue JoJo. Years of captivity had left JoJo unable to survive in the wild, and so a large purpose-built enclosure was constructed for him. Because of his size and strength, he had to be housed alone. But the dream was always to give him a taste of freedom.
After years of planning, a two hectare, semi-wild forest enclosure was created, and finally we were able to realise that dream for JoJo.
At first he was too timed to explore, overwhelmed by a freedom he had never known. But with patience and encouragement, he grew to love exploring his new home. At last, JoJo was able to experience the forest.
When JoJo returns to his quarters after time spent climbing, playing and exploring, other orangutans who cannot be returned to the wild enjoy the semi-wild enclosure too.
Watch JoJo Climb a Tree for the First Time
JoJo Tastes Freedom for First Time
Gallery
JoJo was found chained over a sewer 
Dr. Karmele Llano Sanchez made him a promise 
JoJo using tools 
JoJo grew into a large male orangutan 
JoJo in his prime 
JoJo finally able to swing in the trees 
Adopt JoJo
JoJo will live out his days in dignity and care at the rescue center in Kalimantan. Be part of his story and adopt him today.
