Around the age of seven or eight, young orangutans will leave their mothers to lead an independent life in the rainforest. This time is nearing for Ariel, an orangutan born in the wild to Acuy, who was released in Lamandau Wildlife Reserve by the Orangutan Foundation in 2006.

For the first few years of his life, Acuy has shown Ariel how to climb, where and when to find food in the rainforest and how to build strong nests high up in the trees. She has been an attentive mother, both to Ariel and her first offspring Amina. Often the team see Ariel enjoying grooming from his mother – unusual behaviour in orangutans.

Photos of Ariel growing up alongside his mother Acuy

The bond between these two has always been apparent. When Acuy visits Camp Rasak in the Reserve, you can be sure that Ariel isn’t far away. However, recently he appears to be more comfortable venturing off on his own – a sure sign that he is preparing to move out and join the other males in the rainforest.

Ariel’s newfound independence couldn’t come at a better time as his mother Acuy is pregnant with her third infant! The news about her pregnancy came after staff spotted Acuy with swollen genitals, a typical indicator of pregnancy in orangutans. One of the Foundation’s vets, Wawan, visited Camp Rasak and confirmed that Acuy is indeed pregnant, estimating that she is around 3 and a half months along. We think that Tole, a wild male, may be the father. The pair were noticed spending a lot of time together in November last year.

Acuy now sits at the head of three generations of orangutans born in Lamandau Wildlife Reserve. Her first infant, Amina, is now 15 and has an infant of her own called Albie. With her newest addition, Acuy will add a fourth name onto her family tree – a testament to the safe lives orangutans can lead when released into safe and protected habitat.

While Acuy won’t give birth for around another 5 months or so, Ariel is sure to fly the nest soon and make way for his new brother or sister. Whether he moves out on his own terms or requires a nudge from his mother, we can’t wait to see what adventures Ariel has in the rainforest once he is living solo in the wild!