Orangutan chained to tree for two years is finally released (video)

After two long years of being chained to a tree in Borneo, this orangutan has finally been set free by International Animal Rescue.

Japik the orangutan had short heavy chain fastened tightly around her neck. She was given nothing but a narrow plank of wood to sit on and had no shelter from the sun or rain.

See also: Rare colobus monkey born at Paignton Zoo

Japik was being kept as a pet, which is illegal. Her owner surrendered the orangutan to the animal rescue group.

When the rescue team arrived they found the poor animal sheltering under an old coat to protect herself from the heavy rainfall.

See also: Baby golden snub-nosed monkey amazed by snow in China

After the team cut of the chain around her neck they led her to a transport crate so they could take her away.

She is currently being cared for at the group's orangutan rescue and rehabilitation center in West Borneo.

An appeal on the International Animal Rescue site has been asking for donations to help the desperate animal.

A member of the rescue team said: "When we arrived it was raining heavily and she was trying to take cover under an old jacket. We could see that the jacket was soaked through and Japik was cold and shivering.

"Her neck was also chained and the chain was nailed to the tree. The chain was very short so Japik could go nowhere. The ground under the plank where she was sitting was covered in rubbish."

The team said when they released Japik her legs were so weak that she was shaking as she walked away.

International Animal Rescue believe the orangutan has been living on scraps for the last two years and are now hoping to help her through recovery and rehabilitation.

Those who wish to make a donation to Japik's treatment can do so through the website here.