Rare Albino Orangutan Is Released Into the Wild After Rescue From Captivity

Alba the orangutan is getting a new chance at life.

The rare albino great ape was released into the wild after being rescued from captivity in 2017. She spent the past year getting healthy at the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation before her release on Friday.

However, according to The Guardian, experts are worried that Alba's genetic peculiarity — which gives her bright blue eyes and white hair — could make her a target of poachers. 

To hopefully avoid that, Alba was set free in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, which is protected. She is being tracked electronically and kept under close watch by a medical team. 

Alba also has the support of her orangutan friend Kika, whom she met during her time in the rehab center. Kika was released the same day as Alba and they're exploring their new jungle home together. 

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