Joss, the orangutan, is a baby and was rescued from life as a pet. After being purchased from the black market, she spent two years of her short life in a family’s home, completely devoid of contact with other orangutans. But thanks to the help of good samaritans, she’s now been placed in the caring arms of the International Animals Rescue.

The website for the Sumatran Orangutan Society states that orangutans differ from apes and chimpanzees in that they do not live in groups. A mother might have one or two babies with them while the males live alone. A baby orangutan’s life is similar to that of a child since they spend a lot of time with their mothers before branching out on their own. In nature, this is only second to the humans.

In Joss’s case, not only is she missing that love and attachment of her mother, the adaption to a strange, unfamiliar environment surrounded by humans is traumatizing. As a result, Joss is suffering and exhibits behaviors like hugging herself  and banging her head against the wall. It’s heartbreaking.

Her rescuers believe that she clings to herself to try and replicate the comfort she would get from her mother.

Although her recovery might take a very long time, it looks like she is good hands at the Animal Rescue International. We’re hopeful she’ll receive plenty of love!

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