2022 has been ticking over nicely for Ryan, as the world begins to resemble its old self somewhat. Ryan has never been afraid to get his hands or face dirty as he makes his way through the rainforest. He immerses himself totally into the forest tableau. Ryan takes his time and appreciates every moment. These days Ryan looks rather distinguished with his dark red hair blending into the tree bark next to him. There is no mistaking Ryan as his dark belly hair clearly marks him out as a Bornean orangutan. Bornean orangutans are normally darker and redder in colour, compared to their Sumatran counterparts.

Out in the jungle, Ryan holds his hands to his face in contemplation. He sniffs his fingers to identify the scents around him. He climbs into the trees and stretches all four limbs apart looking up into the sky with his hazelnut eyes. No doubt, thoughts of climbing race through his head. While Ryan takes a moment looking around, his caregivers provide Ryan with a snack to fortify himself. Today it’s sunflower seeds which Ryan clenches gratefully in his fist. His caregivers wait to see what he will do next.

Having decided on his course of action, Ryan wastes no time. Ryan’s long arm reaches out and grasps a branch. He slowly pulls it over towards him and does what orangutans do best. He begins to engineer a nest. He pulls leaves down towards him and picks up sticks, lining them up for later use. Snapping branches with his hands and mouth, Ryan makes a neat little pile. He proceeds to weave these branches, twigs and leaves into a comfortable cradle. Leaves provide the bedding while the twigs and branches provide the sturdy undercarriage.

Unlike the classic nursery rhyme about the baby in the tree top, the cradle won’t come down as orangutans are masters at nest making. Through forest school and observing his peers Ryan has had plenty of practice. A skilled orangutan can cobble together a nest in around ten minutes and usually orangutans make sure nests are comfortable. Wisdom comes with age. Ryan continues to grow and become a well-rounded individual, as he swings ever closer to freedom.

Click here to download Ryan’s August 2022 Foster Update