Alba isn’t just any orangutan—she’s the only living albino orangutan in the world. With her snow-white fur and mesmerizing blue eyes, she’s as rare as they come. But being this unique hasn’t always been easy for Alba.
Her striking appearance made her a prime target for poachers and wildlife traffickers. On top of that, being albino comes with its own set of challenges. Alba is more vulnerable to skin diseases, hearing issues, and vision problems than her darker-furred cousins.
Thankfully, her story took a hopeful turn when the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) stepped in to help. Determined to protect Alba, the foundation launched a fundraising campaign to create a safe haven for her. The idea? To buy Alba her very own island where she could live free from harm.
The world heard Alba’s story, and it quickly went viral. Donations poured in, raising an incredible $80,000. With this, the foundation purchased a secluded 25-acre forested island, turning it into a sanctuary not just for Alba but also for three other orangutans.
This island is nothing short of paradise. Surrounded by dense canals to keep threats away, it’s equipped with round-the-clock security and staff to monitor the orangutans’ health and behavior. BOS Communications Officer Nico Hermanu shared that the initiative also involved local government and community support to ensure Alba’s safety.
But Alba’s journey doesn’t end there. Since she was taken from her natural habitat as a baby, she missed out on learning critical survival skills. Now, she’s undergoing “forest training” to learn what she needs to thrive—skills she would have picked up from her mother in the wild.
For the first time in her life, Alba can live peacefully and safely, surrounded by friends and the beauty of her new jungle home.
Alba’s story is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together to protect the vulnerable. Share this heartwarming tale with friends, and let’s celebrate Alba’s incredible journey to her own island paradise!
