2020 has limited travel for the vast majority of us and so we have found ways of keeping ourselves entertained closer to home. Ryan is old enough and wise enough to know he doesn’t have to travel very far to discover new and exciting things. Some are right on his very front doorstep. This is just one of the advantages of living in a biodiverse tropical rainforest habitat.

Instead of rushing off into the forest, he stops by some fallen trees near his enclosure. The roots are high in the air exposing the dirt and earth underneath. To most of us it looks like nothing special, but to Ryan it is a place of hidden delights. Quickly he runs his hands through the dirt and inevitably rubs it into his face, mouth and forehead. Like a one ape production line, he piles mud from one side to the other on the ground. He is completely engrossed in this task that he has set up for himself. If these were leaves it would be perfect nest making behaviour… it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Inexorably Ryan’s thoughts reach skywards and before we know it, he is climbing high into the trees once again.  Here he takes a beat as the sun shines down and bounces from his forehead. In this rare moment of solitude Ryan looks calm and serene. It doesn’t last long though as nature calls him to move on and he is bounding through the trees once again. He sticks leaves in his mouth and no “stone” is left unturned. Some of the smaller, younger trees that he is hanging onto look as if they will snap at any moment, but with amazing style and know-how Ryan distributes his weight perfectly.

Ryan tests his limits (and his caregivers sometimes) but knows what works for him. He continues to grow and mature and we look forward to keeping you updated on this special orangutan’s journey.

Click here to download Ryan’s February 2021 Foster Update