What more is there to say about Holland that hasn’t already been said? Adorable and sweet Holland… she is the apple of her caregiver’s eye.

The last 6 months have been an interesting time for this loving and affectionate orangutan. These months have been a time of transition. Holland is learning to be more and more independent as she grows older. She still has her caregivers there to back her up, but they are being a little more stand offish on purpose. They know and trust Holland when she makes her way into the forest and up into the trees. They know that she won’t stray too far or cause them trouble. Holland will still try and take her caregivers hands and drag them along with her, but they gently pull away. They are here for her, but she can’t rely on them forever. Holland understands the message and makes her way into the trees, solo.

Not every orangutan is good at reading signals. Like young human children in the playground, male and female orangutans seem to have their differences. Young male orangutan Levi likes Holland but, in age old fashion, he comes on a little strong when trying to play with her. Holland attempts to say she isn’t interested, but apparently running across the playground, swinging along tyres and dashing through barrels as she moves away from him, doesn’t give Levi enough of a hint. She makes good her escape as he finally gives up the chase. Holland is learning how to interact with her peers, and her caregivers, as she grows. Relationships change and she is learning to change as well. We don’t want her to change too fast though. A hug from Holland is the highlight of one’s day!

So what more is there to say? Plenty more as it turns out! Holland is just getting started and we can’t wait to see how the next 6 months turn out.

Click here to download Holland’s August 2019 Foster Update