An orangutan which has spent its entire life in captivity at Perth Zoo will be released into the Indonesian rainforest in a bid to help the critically endangered species.
Nyaru, a Sumatran orangutan born at Perth Zoo, who turns nine this year, will leave Perth on Tuesday accompanied by a vet and zoo keepers.
![Another orang-utan, Andalas, enjoying his freedom, he was released at Bukit Tigapuluh in 2015.](/web/20170308044854im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/n/7/s/8/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gon6k2.png/1462498090440.jpg)
He will be taken to Bukit Tigapuluh, a protected forest in Sumatra where his half-brother Semeru was released a few years ago.
A spokesperson said Perth was the only zoo in the world releasing Sumatran orangutans into the wild.
Those chosen to be released in Sumatra are closely observed to see if they have the skills needed to make it in the wild.
Perth Zoo also funds a program in Sumatra to rehabilitate and release ex-pet trade and orphaned orangutans in partnership with the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Indonesian government.
Monday 2nd
— Perth Zoo (@PerthZoo) May 2, 2016
Peek-a-boo! This is one of 29 adorable Sumatran Orangutans born here at the Zoo since 1970! pic.twitter.com/QyZDEewW7H
It is estimated there are only about 6300 Sumatran orangutans left in the wild and they face imminent extinction due to habitat destruction and poaching.
Last year, a younger orang-utan named Teliti also got a taste of freedom, albeit only for a short time.
Zoo-goers were stunned to see Teliti outside of her enclosure one Sunday morning , after it is believed she used a solid shade sail to jump from the enclosure she shares with her mother Puteri.
She walked around the enclosure for a few minutes before going back inside.
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