Carmen has been making incredible strides in her development and independence. Spending her time in forest school with her sleeping enclosure buddies Meli, Summer, and Dodot, she continues to grow and explore her surroundings with increasing confidence. Although she prefers to be carried into the forest to avoid getting dirty, once there, she embraces the adventure.

Carmen’s independent streak has been shining through lately. She ventures further into the forest, often away from her orangutan friends and caregivers, climbing high into the canopy. Her dark, dreamy eyes, framed by light skin, dart around the forest, always brimming with nervous energy. She’s constantly strategizing her next move, weighing her options with a thoughtful gaze.

One memorable moment captures Carmen’s inquisitive nature perfectly. A rolled-up enrichment parcel was placed at the base of a tree where she was sitting, and Carmen, after a moment of contemplation and swaying back and forth, decided it was worth the effort to climb down and check it out. She swooped down gracefully, grabbed the parcel, and used her teeth to rip off the vines tied around it. Unfurling the parcel with precision, she devoured the contents, much to the delight of her caregivers, who seized the opportunity to capture some photos for this update.

Carmen’s moments of pure joy are a testament to her innocent and ebullient spirit. One particularly heartwarming sight was her hanging between the trees with her arms wide open, fixing the camera with a supermodel-like stare. Her eyes were doing the talking. It’s moments like these that remind us of the precious nature of Carmen and all the orangutans in our care.

Carmen’s journey towards greater independence and confidence is a joy to witness. We are thrilled to share her progress with you and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in the forest. Thank you for being a part of Carmen’s journey and for supporting her growth and happiness.

Click here to download Carmen’s August 2024 Foster Update