Our foster parents will be happy to hear that Koling has a very healthy appetite and is being showered with love from his caregivers. They aren’t supposed to pick favourites, but Koling would be a top contender!

Koling is a sweet-natured, gentle, funny, and endlessly entertaining young orangutan who knows how to enjoy himself. He is equally content taking a quiet moment to relax and watch the world go by, or launching into playful somersaults across the playground, or learning to brachiate as he explores the forest. He is also often spotted proudly strutting around bipedally, perhaps with more confidence than coordination!

Koling is happy to go with the flow. He is affectionate and playful with both his caregivers and fellow orangutans. Currently Koling is besotted with recently arrived baby orangutan, Nata, but he always makes time for old friends such as his best friend and roomie, orangutan Sugar. Koling doesn’t need much encouragement to make friends — he happily plays with one and all.

When his caregivers introduce him to a mystery sack filled with enrichment goodies, all of Koling’s focus and energy goes into finding out what is in there. His curiosity takes over as he shakes, tugs and waves the goodie bag around to dislodge the hidden treasures inside. Through a combination of brain and brawn, using all four of his limbs, Koling finally succeeds in weaving a hole into the sack, triumphantly retrieving the treats from inside.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Koling isn’t a picky eater, calmly taking what is on offer to him. Changes in weather are not an issue either, more an opportunity. If it rains, it’s an excuse to splash his way around the puddles and inhale the fresh earthy scent of petrichor that follows in its wake. A carer is always nearby with a towel ready after his muddy explorations!

Koling is still very dependent on his surrogate mother Ibu Anting, who he knows he can rely on for reassurance, comfort and love. Although for now, Koling prefers the familiar surroundings of the playground, we are keen to encourage him to spend more time in the forest. It shouldn’t be too hard, as his winning personality and childlike fascination should see him go far!

Click here to download Koling’s August 2026 Foster Update