Life at Camp Danielle is certainly never dull with little Kristin Steele around. Although she is still one of the smallest orangutans at Camp Danielle, and you could easily miss her sitting in the infant’s playground, Kristin has a personality that is far bigger than her size. Her gorgeous little face and big expressive eyes trigger all of our nurturing impulses. Kristin remains under the loving care of her surrogate mother, Ibu Eny, who carries Kristin on her back to wherever she needs to go. She is still too young and small to share an enclosure with other orangutans but that hasn’t prevented her from filling up her social calendar. She adores spending time with her orangutan friends, especially fellow babies Nata and Boxer. She and Nata are often seen play biting together, a completely natural and playful part of young orangutan life.

Kristin continues to thrive. Curious and adventurous, Kristin is already ambitious, approaching every day with a spirit of discovery. A look of determination crosses her face as she explores every corner of the playground and forest. Climbing is one of her greatest joys, wrapping herself tightly around tree trunks as she makes her way upward like a little snake winding around a branch, and confidently swinging through the playground nets with growing skill.

When the enrichment team bring a basket of goodies for Kristin to explore, she never looks more at home than when she is lying lovingly in her basket, cradling a coconut, surrounded by her treasures – leaf parcels, rattan balls, and puzzle enrichment. Kristin is also remarkably resourceful. She has even been spotted using a woven rattan mat as a little parasol to shade herself from the sun. Rain rarely bothers her, and she happily continues playing whatever the weather.

Mealtimes are taken very seriously. Kristin has an excellent appetite and especially enjoys fruit. While milk isn’t high on her list of favourites, she certainly knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to let everyone know if she thinks someone is getting between her and her dinner. Everything stops for peanuts!

Full of spirit and endless charm, Kristin Steele continues to grow in both independence and personality. Her caregivers delight in watching this cute little orangutan discover the world with such enthusiasm every single day. It’s Kristin’s world, we’re just lucky to be a part of it.

Click here to download Kristin Steele’s August 2026 Foster Update