Mother orangutan uses leaf to keep baby dry during rainstorm

By Dean Murray

Adorable scenes capture a mother orangutan trying to keep her baby dry — with a leaf.

The pair were spotted in December as rains came to a forest in Borneo, Indonesia.

UK-based International Animal Rescue (IAR) said: "This is not AI, we promise! The footage shows Muria and her wild-born son, Bumi, sheltering from the rain, with Muria using a giant leaf to protect them both.

"Our partners, YIARI, have captured an incredible moment in the forests of Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park. Muria is using a giant leaf to protect them both.

"It’s a gentle reminder of how intelligent and resourceful orangutans are, and just how similar they are to us."

IAR added: "Muria was rescued by BKSDA, Indonesia’s wildlife protection and habitat conservation agency, and brought to our partners, YIARI, where she spent more than seven years in rehabilitation before being released back into the wild in 2019.

"Three years later she gave birth to Bumi, one of several wild-born infants now thriving in the forests thanks to these vital conservation efforts.

"Seeing Muria and Bumi safe, healthy and living freely is a powerful symbol of hope, and proof that rescue and rehabilitation truly can restore lives and protect a species."