A rescued baby orangutan whose heartbreaking plight captured the hearts of thousands, has gone on to find love. Budi - who spent the first year of his life trapped in a chicken coup - was introduced to Jemmi less than a month ago and now the two apes appear to be inseparable. Indeed, video footage captured at the International Animal Rescue's orangutan center in Indonesia, shows the duo throwing adoring glances at each other as they share a dinner of fruit. At one point Jemmi nuzzles Budi's side and purses her lips, as if she is blowing him a kiss. He then promptly performs the same gesture back at her. Love at first sight: Budi - who spent the first year of his life trapped in a chicken coup - was introduced to Jemmi less than a month ago and now the two apes appear to be inseparable. Two peas in a pod: Indeed, video footage captured at the International Animal Rescue's Orangutan Rescue Centre in Indonesia, shows the duo throwing adoring glances at each other as they share a dinner of fruit . Mimicking: At one point Jemmi nuzzles Budi's side and purses her lips, as if she is blowing him a kiss - he then promptly performs the same gesture back at her . Carers at the rescue center say that 15-month-old Budi and Jemmi have developed a 'beautiful friendship'. Along with eating meals together, they apparently enjoy playing around on the ropes and branches of their enclosure. A spokesperson added: 'If Budi is taken into the day enclosure first he will keep looking back for Jemmi and, if left on his own, will cry until his new friend joins him. 'At the end of the day they both make their way back to their shared hammock where they spend the night together.' Budi was dying from malnutrition and too weak to move when the International Animal Rescue discovered him in Borneo, Indonesia, last December. Rescued: Budi also had a tough start to life Budi the orangutan and was found (pictured) lying on his back in a wire chicken coop without the strength to sit up . Tragedy: This photo, taken at the time of his rescue, shows the 10-month-old with a thin blanket in his cage for comfort . Along with being kept in a confined space, his owner had never given him a single mouthful of solid food for fear it would be bad for him - leaving his tiny limbs swollen and bent. Earlier footage showed him crying in pain when one of his carers gently turned his body or lifted him to sit up. But thanks to intensive treatment and care from International Animal Rescue's veterinary team, he made a remarkable recovery. Meanwhile, eight-month-old Jemmi was orphaned when her mother was killed and then illegally sold as a pet. Despite their rough beginnings, the wonderful new footage shows the orangutans' transformation from frail and helpless babies into inquisitive animals, now strong enough to swing from trees. They look extremely comfortable in each other's company as they sit side-by-side. It's hoped that their friendship gets them both used to being around other orangutans so they can hopefully be released into the wild some day. Strength: The tiny orangutan didn't have the muscle strength to open his mouth when he was first rescued from a life of neglect . One of many: International Animal Rescue are keen to stress that Budi's story is not an isolate case and there are 'countless' orangutans currently suffering from neglect in Indonesia . Alan Knight, CEO of International Animal Rescue, said: 'As they start to form bonds with each other and then with other orangutans in baby school, they will learn from each other how to behave in the forest and gradually shed their dependence on their human babysitters.' 'We couldn't be happier to see how well Budi is getting on with his new playmate. 'This first meeting is a milestone in the development of both babies.' International Animal Rescue are keen to stress that Budi's story is not an isolate case and there are 'countless' orangutans currently suffering from neglect in Indonesia. The charity is currently caring for 83 orangutans who were being kept illegally as pets. The primates of all ages are now undergoing rehabilitation so they can eventually be released back into the wild. Mr Knight added: 'People are being very generous in their response to Budi's story and I would urge everyone please to keep on supporting us. 'The more people give, the more orangutans we can rescue and help on their journey back to a protected place in the forest where they belong.'
Budi was introduced to Jemmi less than a month ago and now the two apes appear to be inseparable.
Indeed, video from the International Animal Rescue's orangutan center in Indonesia, shows the duo throwing adoring glances at each other.
Budi was dying from malnutrition and too weak to move when he was discovered in Borneo, Indonesia, last December.
Meanwhile, eight-month-old Jemmi was orphaned when her mother was killed and then illegally sold as a pet.