January’s orangutan story is about wild Sheila and Silva, a mother and infant around Camp Gemini in Lamandau Wildlife Reserve, Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo.

Sheila was released into the wild nineteen years ago and has since given birth to four infants. Silva, her latest son, was born on World Environment Day in Lamandau Wildlife Reserve and was named Silva after it, representing forest.

Infant orangutans born in the wild will stay with their mothers until around the age of seven years old. Two year old Silva still has a long way to go before living independently in the forest. Wherever Sheila goes, Silva will always be by her side.

Although Silva continues to gain knowledge from Sheila, he is becoming a brave orangutan. At his age, Silva has begun creating space from his mother. Camp staff have noticed that Silva often plays with Maya’s son, Milo, as well as his older brother Sony. It also appears that Silva is becoming good at choosing fruit provided at the feeding side.

Being protective of Silva, when Sheila encounters Max, another female orangutan, and Macho, Maya’s son, she always tries to chase them away. Maya, on the other hand, keeps her distance from Sheila.

We are happy to see Silva progress and hope he will continue to grow well. With mother Sheila’s teachings and big brother Sony's influence, Silva has excellent mentors to learn from in Lamandau Wildlife Reserve.