The beginning of the calendar year in Borneo is when the wet season is in full flow, generally running from September to March. This is the time of heavy rainfall and looming overhead clouds. Charlie takes this all in stride. Orangutans are not renowned for their swimming prowess, but they know how to wade and splash. On a hot day Charlie doesn’t mind locating a body of water and submerging himself in it. This cools him down and allows him some time to relax by himself. Charlie enjoys spending time alone, but he is not lonely. He is simply an orangutan!
Charlie is somewhat mercurial. One moment he is introspective and calm and the next he is playful and impulsive. Charlie has grown to the point where he dwarfs his peers. His long arms covered in a thick, shaggy coat of hair display how strong and awe-inspiring Charlie has become. As male orangutans get older, they naturally become more solitary, especially when they become fully flanged. Flanged males become aggressive towards each other over females but younger males are more tolerant.
Charlie is in the awkward in-between phase, outgrowing most of his peers but still not yet a fully developed male. He can be playful with his caregivers while in the forest but when it is time to return to his sleeping enclosure Charlie makes it known that he’d rather stay outside and explore. Convincing an animal that is seven times stronger than a human to do something they don’t want to do can be hard work! Charlie’s resolve and independence are admirable and show us that he is well on his way to life in the wild.
Like a statue of an Egyptian Pharaoh, Charlie makes for an impressive, grand figure in the Learning Forest, matching the imposing trees with his large physique. A varied forest diet including some of his favourite fruits such as pineapple, papaya and mango go a long way in sustaining him. Charlie continues to grow quickly. We all hope to see him continuing to flourish. We can’t wait to update you on the next exciting developments in his life as he advances towards independence and a future in the wild.
Click here to download Charlie’s February 2022 Foster Update
