Over the months, Hockey has been able to maintain and develop the strength in her left arm and core muscles. She is now able to sit up quicker and in a smoother, single motion. This independence has spread to a maturity that Hockey shows during her bath times. Washing can be a reasonably stressful event for Hockey due to the lower temperature of the water and the sounds of splashing. Nevertheless, during each bath she is patient and cooperative, and calmly allows the staff to wash her quickly and effectively. This allows her thick hair of many warm red shades to be restored to its beautiful appearance in no time.

The more time you spend with Hockey, the more she is able to learn the intonations of your voice. It is truly fulfilling to see her recognise you through your voice during encounters. Hockey is far from being a shy orangutan and is always inquisitive and wanting to learn about you – especially through the powerful sense of taste in her tongue! Hockey particularly enjoys clutching her arm around your neck to be able to pull herself closer to you so she can examine your face.  Hockey continues to thrive with social interaction and the presence of company and will never deny anyone the opportunity to brush her luscious hair. The more brushing, the more relaxed Hockey becomes. It is not uncommon for Hockey to fall into a peaceful sleep, resting on her tummy, with one arm brought up to her face as her hair is being brushed.

It is both rewarding and uplifting to watch Hockey appear comfortable and relaxed after a wash and pampering during her time in the cool shadows below the forest canopy. Caregivers continue to work with Hockey to maintain the strength she has gained – in particular focusing on her core muscles so that she is able to move herself into multiple positions. Her queen-like cart transport has too developed, with an umbrella as a sun parasol that is used to reduce the alternations of sunlight and shadow on the ride to and from her sleeping enclosure!

From just a few moments shared with Hockey you gather from her that she is an individual who is content to just ‘be’ and to share her day with company, surrounded by trees, listening happily to you sing or simply talk and chat to her.

Click here to download Hockey’s February 2017 Foster Update