What is in a name? Names can be very powerful, reflecting one’s character and identity. Names are associated with family but there is so much more to families than we normally acknowledge. Orangutan families know each other not by names but by other senses such as touch, sound, and smell, all often far beyond our… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for June, 2019: Jambul2
Tag: OOTM
Orangutan of the Month for April, 2019: Tunas
There are many sides to an orangutan’s personality with some characteristics and personality types more prominent then others. There are shy orangutans, adventurous orangutans, and placid orangutans. With some orangutans it’s hard to pinpoint one “type” at all as these orangutans may have many defining traits. Tunas is one of these. She seems to demonstrate… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for April, 2019: Tunas
Orangutan of The Month for Jan, 2019: Jono
Orangutan of the Month: Jono When migrants return to their motherland, are they more at home coming back to their land of origin or are they now more displaced? Humans all over the world grapple with this dissonance but in our search for belonging, we forget that we are not the only unsettled species. Today,… Continue reading Orangutan of The Month for Jan, 2019: Jono
Orangutan of the Month for Dec, 2018: Wendy
Four in the morning and dawn is barely breaking over the Bornean rainforest. All is quiet as the forest and the animals within begin to stir. The rising sun brings with it the caregivers from the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ). It is an exceedingly early start for them. The working day normally begins… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for Dec, 2018: Wendy
Hockey’s Special Needs
Hockey’s Special Needs by Allison Leach “Special” is indeed the word that first comes to mind when thinking of the orangutan Hockey. She came to the OFI Care Center as an orphan, like many other orangutans. But unfortunately, her sensitive nature, in both spirit and body, left her vulnerable to a crippling stroke suffered before… Continue reading Hockey’s Special Needs
Orangutan of the Month for Nov, 2018: Caca
Caca by Emi Kusayanagi It’s another hot and sunny morning at the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) in Central Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia. At Camp Danielle, the youngest orangutans under the care of Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) staff are out in the Infant Playground and Learning Forest. At the playground, the little orangutans are everywhere,… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for Nov, 2018: Caca
Orangutan of the Month for Oct, 2018: Chewey
Chewey – is more than just an intergalactic icon Hermits, it seems, have gone out of vogue. These days socializing is what people are talking about. “It’s good for the brain” they say, “good for the heart.” Similarly to cloistered monks, Kalimantan’s orangutan males remain staunchly solitary. Time has been the best teacher. After thousands… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for Oct, 2018: Chewey
Orangutan of the Month for August, 2018: Robina
At the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) in Central Indonesian Borneo, OFI (Orangutan Foundation International) staff provide milk for the older orangutans in OFI’s care. Caregiver Ibu Tuti always looks forward to her encounters with orangutan Robina or “cantik (beautiful) Robina” as she calls her. Indeed a beauty, Robina’s light ginger locks are long… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for August, 2018: Robina
Orangutan of the Month for July, 2018: Kuba
Everybody remembers their first house. Dreams are cast, plans are made and pennies are gathered until the jubilant day the homeowner wakes up in their new bed. Given that orangutans share so much in common with humans, they may look on their first nest with a similar sense of pride. One infant orangutan in OFI’s… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for July, 2018: Kuba
Orangutan of the Month for June, 2018: Allisson
All orangutans have their own needs and learning styles. At the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) in Central Indonesian Borneo, the OFI staff respect the unique personalities of each orangutan. Allisson is a focused and methodical orangutan, and one who does not like to be rushed. Allisson arrived at the Care Center when she… Continue reading Orangutan of the Month for June, 2018: Allisson