Tommy is growing into a vibrant and playful juvenile orangutan. He has a kind, gentle face and big eyes that sparkle with a zest for life. Life always seems easy and breezy around Tommy. It seems that little could bring this fun-loving guy down. He is simply a joy to be around!
When his group of young orangutans arrives at the playground for their daily release, Tommy is the first to venture beyond the playground into the surrounding forest. If you weren’t watching him carefully, you might miss his quick departure. He can barely contain his excitement as he pulls himself into the trees with the help of thick, low hanging vines. In an instant Tommy has scaled the tallest tree to forage for fruit and play in the leafy canopy. Just like a wild orangutan, Tommy seems more at home in the tree tops than he does on the ground. It can be hard to keep track of Tommy’s exact whereabouts while he is exploring the deeper parts of forest but his caregivers aren’t concerned. They trust Tommy’s growing independence and skills in “the bush”. They simply check on him from time to time and call out his name periodically to ensure he is still safe and sound, as well as making sure that he is aware of their presence. At the end of the day when it is time to head back to the sleeping enclosures, Tommy never makes a fuss and always comes back when he is called.
Now that it is the rainy season, Tommy loves to find big puddles he can splash around in and create a big, wet mess. His favourite rainy season activity is to stick his whole head into muddy puddles. You’d think he was a fish sometimes; he is always looking for water to play in!
Tommy’s easy-going nature and playful energy are what make him so wonderful. Whether he is climbing the tallest trees or splashing around in a puddle, Tommy is always in the best spirits!