Orangutan Foundation

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Orangutan Adoption Diary - Brian and Rosa’s growing bond

The adoption of infant orangutan Brian by female orangutan Rosa is progressing well - they are much closer and there is more playing and jesting. Brian's holding Rosa hand more frequently and even hugging Rosa.  Bornean orangutans Brain and Rosa

Brian and Rosa - © Orangutan Foundation

When tired of playing and jesting, Brian climbs and hangs about the cage, and Rosa jiggles the cage or lies about.

Bornean orangutans

Brian and Rosa - interacting. © Orangutan Foundation

After Brian's contented with playing and hanging he moves close to Rosa, strokes her, then pulls Rosa's hair until it hurts her and she responsds by pulling Brian's hand, slowly and carefully. Brian then bites Rosa's hand, after which he runs and climbs over to the opposite corner. Brian repeats the same behaviour several times. It seems as though Brian is using this to make closer with his “new Mom”.

Brian and Rosa -Bornean orangutans

 Brian heckling Rosa © Orangutan Foundation

Brian has adapted to his new environment and situation. He knows when it's feeding time and the Camp staff start preparing fruit and milk.

Brian and Rosa - Bornean orangutans

Feeding time © Orangutan Foundation

When Rosa and Brian are given fruit, Brian always heckles Rosa and takes her fruit. Rosa is wise and very patient and shares the fruit with Brian.

Brian and Rosa -Bornean orangutans

Brian and Rosa -sharing fruit. © Orangutan Foundation

They seem to have developed a very strong bond and we are planning on letting Brian and Rosa out of their cage this week.

Thank you,

Dr Fiqri (Vet of Lamandau Orangutan Release Programme).

Please support our 'Protect Me and My Tree Appeal' -to help keep the orangutans in Lamandau free.