Kinu, an orphaned baby orangutan, is capturing hearts across the internet after his rescue story was shared on social media. Kinu is getting a second chance at life after renowned wildlife biologist and TV host Forrest Galante shared the baby’s story, much to the delight and heartbreak of fans.

In a video shared to social media, Forrest Galante holds Kinu in his arms and explains that the baby orangutan was rescued from the illegal pet trade. Galante shares that Kinu was tragically ripped from his mother’s hands and became malnourished while in captivity, leading to a variety of health issues for the young primate.

Now in the caring hands of rescuers at the Vantara Rescue, Kinu is receiving a proper diet along with loving, thoughtful care as he begins a long road to recovery.

Orphaned Baby Orangutan Gets a Second Chance at Life

Holding Kinu close and gently stroking the baby’s back to help him feel safe, Galante says, “While he still doesn’t have a mom, he does have me.”

Social media followers rushed to the comment section, tissues in hand, to express their heartbreak over Kinu’s story. One wrote, “He probably misses his mama so much. Poor baby. Humans can be so cruel.” Another shared, “Oh my goodness, his face looks so sad.”

“That poor baby,” added one commenter. “He’s so traumatized.”

“You are mama now,” another empathized.

One follower praised Galante’s rescue efforts, writing, “You are such a good mother to Kinu.”

Experts say approximately 200 to 1,000 orangutans are illegally traded each year. Driven predominantly by the illegal pet market, baby orangutans who enter this trade face a high mortality rate, largely due to the trauma of witnessing their mother’s death or the poor conditions and care they endure in captivity.

Orangutans are the most traded primate in the world, accounting for 56 percent of all illegal trade involving great apes.

Forrest Galante is an American adventurer who moved to Zimbabwe as a child. He has appeared on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid and Animal Planet’s Extinct or Alive. Galante primarily seeks out animals on the brink of extinction, raising awareness about the illegal animal trade and supporting rescue efforts around the world.

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.