Calm, patient and well-behaved are all words that the OFI staff use to describe Carmen. Unlike many wild orangutans, Carmen is afraid of ant nests and she loudly “kiss-squeaks” when she sees them while playing in the forest. However, despite her fears, Carmen still enjoys her trips to the Infant Learning Forest.

On the way to the Learning Forest, independent little Carmen always walks beside her caregiver. She spots the best “markisas” (passionfruit), and enjoys them as a snack on her way to another fun day in the forest with her friends.

When she reaches the forest, Carmen chooses to climb on her own. Oblivious to other orangutans, Carmen climbs deeper and deeper into the forest. Sometimes, she climbs down from the trees where she loves to play in the water puddles, smearing mud everywhere around her, and all over herself! Often, Carmen climbs so far away that her caregivers have to call her name to encourage her to come back to the infant playground.

When Carmen is hungry, she never whines. She patiently waits her turn with her arms wrapped around her body, as if she is hugging herself. At other times, she puts her lips together to show her hunger. When you try to distract her by calling her name, she squeals as if she is talking to you.

Carmen’s sweetness and easy-going personality has won over the hearts of the OFI staff. Her beautiful appearance is indicative of her good health and her independence will serve her well when one day she is released back into the wild.

Click here to download Carmen’s August 2018 Foster Kit