Tommy has always had a certain ‘“je ne sais quoi”. It’s hard to put into words but it’s there.

Tommy’s bright wide eyes scan the forest as he hugs a tree trunk. The characteristic delicate small ears of orangutans only draw more attention to Tommy’s long, oval face. It emphasises his youthful character. His thin, lanky body is a testament to his active nature. He never sits still for very long. Outwardly he is a calm and easy going orangutan. But behind those eyes it seems there is an internal monologue that is full of wonder, discovery, and meditation.

Tommy is an exemplary forest school student. He has plenty of time for play but also sets aside time for study. He tastes the many varied fruits that are on offer as he learns what he can eat. He forages for wild fruits and leaves in the learning forest. Many unripe fruits and others a bit astringent or slightly bitter wouldn’t be appealing to us humans but are attractive to Tommy. He uses his strong teeth to pull apart items with ease. Orangutans in the wild eat up to 400 different types of food so Tommy has a lot to remember. It’s no trouble for him. Tommy deals with whatever life throws at him.

Sometimes Tommy can be so focused that he forgets that anybody else is nearby until one of his playmates comes crashing along wanting to have a wrestle! Tommy will usually oblige. Tommy is happy to play by himself or be part of a team. At least that is what his CV/resume would probably say.

A true orangutan, he is definitely not anti-social but Tommy doesn’t mind solitude. In the wild orangutans stay with their mother typically for the first eight years of their lives. Rehabilitation and release of a rescued wild born ex-captive orangutan can take a little longer, but it is worth the wait. We all have the choice of what to do with our time. Thanks to you, Tommy’s dedicated foster parents, we can make his ultimate return to the wild a reality. We look forward to keeping you updated as Tommy progresses, and that day of release and return comes ever closer.

Click here to download Tommy’s August 2022 Foster Update