The life of an orangutan can change very little over six months, but with Amelia, small incremental changes have characterised her journey and one thing has become wonderfully clear over time. Amelia has grown into a much calmer and more relaxed young orangutan. While she still has her wonderfully unique personality – she is hyper alert and displays Type A personality traits such as assertiveness and impatience – there is also a gentleness about her now, that is lovely to see. Photos tend to capture this gentle and vulnerable side far more clearly than we can describe. Her beautiful, rich red coat is in excellent condition and often looks as though she has just stepped out of the salon.

Amelia has always liked to do things on her own terms, and that certainly hasn’t changed. She enjoys sitting on the playground net or beside a favourite tree, carefully taking apart leaves and plants or settling down with a leafy enrichment parcel, which she sometimes stows away in the trees and comes back for when she is ready. Peanuts remain a particular favourite, and she patiently unwraps every parcel with great concentration.

Amelia is prone to propping herself up, all four limbs stretched out in the tree resembling a starfish. From her perch, her bright eyes dart around watchfully as she takes in everything around her. She loves to be close to the action, but is happiest observing from the fringes, always making sure she has a safe escape route if she needs it. Rather than a wall flower, it’s more appropriate to call her a forest flower.

When her caregivers call, Amelia will often peek her head out from the bushes to see what’s happening. She enjoys interacting with them, but only when she chooses. She won’t come running for just anyone. One orangutan friend she has a lot of time for is fellow female, Royal, who she follows around happily. Amelia is always gentle with her female carers but remains a little wary of the men. She makes her feelings very clear when the veterinary team visits Camp Danielle, especially poor Dr Ketut, who she often chases away with determined enthusiasm.

Nest building still holds little appeal for Amelia, but that’s perfectly all right. Every orangutan develops at their own pace. She remains an intelligent, thoughtful and rather complicated character, with a gentle, vulnerable side that shines through once she feels comfortable. Watching her confidence continue to grow has been a real pleasure for everyone who cares for her.

Click here to download Amelia’s August 2026 Foster Update