These days sweet Mabel is going from strength to strength! No longer the skinny orangutan she was six months ago Mabel has gained weight and is thriving. Looking every inch the beautiful orangutan we always knew she was, she is now covered in thick, lush, orange hair. Not only has she gained weight but she has also gained in confidence. Mabel is beginning to climb high in the trees in the nursery forest and is no longer afraid to leave her caregivers. Previously Mabel was shy and a bit too anxious to wander away from the playground. Now Mabel dives into the trees when in the forest and loves climbing and foraging. She prefers to play on her own or, occasionally, with best friend Hoffman. At the top of the forest canopy, Mabel will make a nest and lay back and relax, watching the world pass by overhead. The time she spends in her day nest seems to be sweet Mabel’s favourite part of the day.
With her increased confidence Mabel is less hesitant to engage in play with her orangutan peers. No longer afraid of the older or bigger individuals, Mabel plays and interacts with many other orangutans. However, her best friend is still Hoffman and these two show a special bond. Mabel still shares a sleeping enclosure with Hoffman and on daily release they often explore the forest together. When out in the forest Mabel can be seen climbing vines with Hoffman as well as Mason and Roman. With her friends by her side Mabel will climb up and down along the vines, often stopping to hang by all four limbs and gaze around her. The arrival of the wet season in Kalimantan has meant that heavy rains frequently fall overnight. By next morning, pools of water have formed on the forest floor. Mabel loves splashing and playing in these puddles with her friends, particularly Hoffman. Climbing down a vine, Mabel will dip a hand or even her whole face into the puddle. She will then climb back up and swing on the vines before descending again to splash some more.
With the supportive love and dedication of her caregivers, Mabel will continue to thrive. We can’t wait to see Mabel’s confidence soar as she explores more of the nursery forest and expands her knowledge of her species’ native habitat in preparation for her eventual return to the wild.