Ryan’s hair perfectly encapsulates his growth and maturity. A thick, dark cascade of hair adorns his body and stomach. It announces him to the world as he exudes dominance and self-confidence. He is a hefty and stocky orangutan with the swagger to match. This intrepid daredevil moves through the forest bending the trees to his will. He stretches out on a tree limb displaying his vigorous body for all to see.

Ryan is a very wilful orangutan and if given an inch, he will take a mile! These days he hasn’t time for play with his peers. He prefers his own company. He entertains himself very well as he splashes through the water that swirls around the tree roots in the swamp. Given his long arms and substantial body, the splash zone around him is extensive. It’s sage advice not to wear your Sunday best when in the tropical rainforest accompanying an orangutan like Ryan.

He explores far and wide and focuses on practicing his survival skills. Every day at Forest School is another school day after all. Ryan is a studious pupil but does need some nudging in the right direction now and again. It may take his caregivers shouting several times before Ryan will respond however. Ryan only responds to the caregivers he knows and with whom he is comfortable. He is not a fan of strangers. This is a positive development as this may mean that he will avoid strange humans once he returns to the wild.

Ryan knows what he likes. He likes almost all the fruits the forest has to offer but if they are too soft or overripe, he sometimes leaves them alone. Ant and termite nests are what he likes best. Colonies vary wildly in size and Ryan finds them by digging into the earth or locating them on tree trunks. Hundreds of individual ants or termites dwell within each nest and provide a plethora of protein for Ryan to help maintain his strong physique. It gives us no end of pleasure to see Ryan healthy and vigorous and to be able to share this news with you.

Click here to download Ryan’s February 2022 Foster Update