Joss, a baby orangutan, was so deeply traumatized by her past that she has developed some distressing coping behaviors, according to International Animal Rescue (IAR).
In 2016, International Animal Rescue (IAR) rescued a 2-year-old baby orangutan from home in Borneo. She was kept as a pet for almost two years. Joss used to behave abnormally and did not want to be touched.
They also noticed that Joss would hug herself and also bang her head against the wall repeatedly. IAR vet, Jaclyn Eng states:
“Joss’ life up until now must have been very traumatic and stressful for her to behave in this abnormal way. Animals usually develop stereotypical behavior as a coping mechanism in response to a stressful situation. Our team has never seen such a young baby orangutan exhibiting stereotypical behavior like this. It is extremely distressing to watch because it must reflect the mental and emotional trauma little Joss is suffering.”
According to rescuers, she must have witnessed the death of her mother.
“Joss hugs herself constantly because she misses the physical contact and comfort she should still be getting from her mother. Her life up until now must have been very traumatic and stressful for her to behave in this abnormal way,” IAR vet Jaclyn Eng said.
But thankfully, her condition has improved, and she has joined the other rescued orphans in International Animal Rescue’s orangutan pre-school. Joss has finally found a new home at this pre-school set up for rescued orangutans.