2020 brought lockdown all over the world and the orangutans were also affected by this. For their own protection contact with the orangutans was limited and releases had to be curtailed for a time. Thankfully measures implemented at the OFI Care Centre over the last year have meant we can continue daily forest releases. This essential part of orangutan rehabilitation is certainly one of orangutan Kobe’s favourite activities. She is the one at the front of the line dragging her caregivers into the Learning Forest. She is so eager to get going. Even though she has plenty of friends in her sleeping enclosure to play with, Kobe prefers her own company. A look of contentment crosses Kobe’s face as she absorbs her forest surroundings. Moments such as these are precious and show us Kobe’s time away from the forest has in no way impacted her attitudes and abilities.

One thing that does stop her in her tracks is a rattan bag of goodies from the Enrichment team. This focuses her energy. She settles down on the ground and flattens the ferns around her to make a comfy seat. She picks out the heads of pineapples with their leaves smeared with jam and plucks the leaves out one by one. Next Kobe pulls out some milk and proceeds to splash it all over her face. She lays back and gets creative with the bag, first putting it on her head and then holding it high above her like a trophy. Eventually she is surrounded by a mixture of natural detritus.

The enrichment materials OFI provides encourage Kobe to explore the ground around her. It wouldn’t be a day out with Kobe if she didn’t play around in the mud. Kobe excavates the earth and finds natural enrichment. She shoves her face into the dirt and springs up with an Earthworm dangling from her mouth. She doesn’t eat it but spits it out. Kobe continues digging and pulling at the grass and tree roots. Some come away much easier than others. One stubborn tree root holds fast and an intense expression crosses her face. When challenged Kobe doesn’t give up easily. She tugs and tugs until finally the root breaks free and she has triumphed.

Kobe’s lust for life and positive energy are infectious. She is comfortable in her own skin and is a wellspring of delight for all who know her.

Click here to download Kobe’s February 2021 Foster Update