Working with animals always presents its fair share of delights and unexpected quirks. This is especially true when working with Jeffrey Jr. When photos are taken of Jeffrey Jr, he basks in the attention. On a cloudy day his orange hair glows, contrasting beautifully with the sky and the green leaves behind him as he sits in the trees. He holds his head high and surveys the terrain. We see a brilliant mind that is always calculating and planning. Jeffrey Jr sits ever so still. It is as if he is having his portrait painted. There is serenity and beauty surrounding the moment. Then Jeffrey Jr spreads his legs and begins urinating in almost every direction. The spell is completely broken. He has no shame. It’s not always glamorous working with wildlife! However, his caregiver Ibu Eny doesn’t mind at all as she watches on dotingly. Urination is a natural part of life after all, and luckily she didn’t get splattered.

Over the last six months Jeffery Jr has been growing. It almost feels wrong to call him “Jr”. He moves around forest school as if he owns the place. He displays confidence and belief that he can achieve anything. The Camp Danielle playground has also expanded with as many barrels, tyres and hammocks that an orangutan could possibly want. Fuelling Jeffrey Jr’s growth is his voracious appetite. On occasion he attempts to fit a whole pineapple into his mouth and almost succeeds. He makes short work of it as his waistline steadily expands. Young leaves also provide valuable nutrition.

Jeffrey Jr needs the energy as he climbs atop the trees and reaches his long arms out to grab the next branch. Orangutan arms are one and half times longer than their legs. That’s quite some reach and Jeffrey Jr exploits this attribute to no end. He is always watchful for the next thing to reach out for and grab.

Maybe we shouldn’t be so hasty in discounting the “Jr” from his name just yet. Jeffrey Jr clambers down from the trees to meet with his caregivers. He puckers his lips at them, announcing that he wants some treats if they have any. Of course, they oblige. Jeffrey Jr hugs Ibu Eny close in gratitude. He remains a charmer who captures the hearts of all who interact with him. The spell he casts seems to be for all time.

Click here to download Jeffrey Junior’s August 2022 Foster Update