Meet Big Papa
Name: Big Papa
Charity: Orangutan Outreach
species: Orangutan Cheekpadder
Location: Samboja Lestari Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo
Image Courtesy of Orangutan Outreach
Big Papa is a male Orangutan who was illegally sold as a pet in Taiwan as a youngster, before being rescued by Orangutan Outreach and brought to Borneo. He has been in the care of the BOS Foundation since 1994 and now lives on a forest island at Samboja Lestari with three female companions. He’s relaxed, gentle, and enjoys a peaceful retirement on his own forest island with plenty of fruit and space.
Buddies For Paws proudly supports his lifelong care through Orangutan Outreach.
Latest Updates
Welcome Big Papa to the BFP Family
On 30 June 2025, Big Papa officially joined the Buddies for Paws guardian crew. He now lives on a forest island in Borneo alongside three female orangutans as his companions. Thanks to your donations and the dedicated team at Orangutan Outreach, he now has everything he needs to live a happy, safe and contented life.
Nov 25, 2025
Island Life
Papa spends his days exploring the trees, resting in shaded spots, and enjoying his favourite fruits. Some orangutans are social, some are playful, Papa simply likes his space (and loads of bananas).
Nov 25, 2025
Why He Stays in Sanctuary
Because Papa spent decades in captivity, he never learned the skills needed to survive in the wild. The island gives him safety, freedom, and lifelong care. Basically, everything he needs.
Nov 25, 2025
Big Papa and Friends
When Big Papa first arrived at the BOS Foundation Samboja Lestari Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre medical tests revealed he had contracted Hepatitis B, meaning he had to be isolated from other orangutans and kept in his own enclosure. However, in 2010 a breakthrough in research showed that the strain of Hepatitis B that Big Papa had was naturally occurring in wild orangutan populations. The BOS Foundation team were overjoyed to discover that he was no longer a health threat to other orangutans and after almost 30 years alone in a cage Big Papa is now enjoying life on a manmade island with three female companions.
Dec 22, 2025
How Support Helps
When you support Big Papa and Orangutan Outreach, you help protect:
Food and fresh fruit
Veterinary care
Forest island upkeep
Sanctuary staff
Enrichment and welfare
Support Orangutan Outreach
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