Amelia remains a somewhat aloof figure amongst her fellow infants and it takes time for her to open up. She eschews the forest preferring the comfortingly familiar area of the playground. Here she has “her” spot where she can regularly be seen, her two legs dangling down as she uses her arms to hang from the playground’s framework. She sways gently back and forth. Male orangutan Levy tries to muscle in on her space, but Amelia makes sure he knows this is her spot. She allows him a sliver of space to her right and he attempts to play with her by bashing into her back. Amelia is not interested; it is too early in the day and she isn’t ready yet. She has an intense look about her and a nervous energy propels her around the playground. But there are cracks in her aloof persona here and there. She grabs playfully at younger orangutan Royal’s feet and momentarily wrestles with Somat. For a moment she forgets herself before suddenly snapping back and regaining her composure.
There has recently been a new playground constructed at Camp Danielle, so the infants have two to choose from. When Amelia’s caregivers initially tried to walk her over to the new area, Amelia wasn’t feeling like it and made her body go entirely limp becoming a dead weight. Her caregivers were literally dragging her along. Amelia doesn’t like to be made to do anything and she made quite a sight! She eventually made her own way over and has now found a nice spot for herself in this new playground to “hang out.” She is slowly expanding her home range.
Unfamiliar male caregivers sometimes pass by Camp Danielle and Amelia is not a fan. She “kiss squeaks” her disapproval and races up to the top of the playground. In some ways this negative interaction is actually positive as Amelia remains alert and aware of her surroundings. Some orangutans try to call it a day early and head for their sleeping enclosures, but not Amelia. However, as the day wears on Amelia grows more comfortable and open. She comes down to dig through the dirt of the forest floor and even allows her caregivers to give her a tickle. Amelia curls up into a little ball to try and stop them but clearly enjoys the attention.
One aspect where Amelia isn’t reticent is in her diet. She is happy to try out any new foods. It was a good season for tomatoes recently and the infants had an abundance of them. Amelia was head of the pack in sampling these delicious, juicy red fruits. When they were handed out Amelia made sure to clean up after any other infants who weren’t interested in the tomatoes.
Infants learn in their own way and in their own time and this definitely applies to Amelia. With patience and careful nurturing, she will grow into herself. We can’t wait to see her solidify friendships and continue to develop her lovely and sweet personality.
Click here to download Amelia’s February 2020 Foster Update