Over the last six months Tommy has enjoyed regular forest school releases and a healthy diet and enrichment schedule. Things are more or less back to the way they were several years ago. Tommy remains close with his friends Jangkis, Ponti, and Hayes. In the forest Tommy is ever watchful. His wide eyes scan the environment with precision. Once Tommy witnessed his friend Hayes playing in the water and wanted to join in the exuberant play with his friend. Wasting no time whatsoever, Tommy was soon splashing about gleefully with Hayes.

At the start of forest school Tommy no longer likes to be carried by his caregiver. He wants to walk tall by himself, although he appreciates his caregiver’s close proximity. The feeling of security is like a warm comforting blanket. Tommy climbs high into the trees. His lean and athletic body glides through the trees smoothly. He is a restless soul, always in perpetual motion. For the most part he has no time to stop and try fruits or leaves. He much prefers to dig up termites or find rotten logs filled with ants. Tommy probably appreciates the animal protein! He sorts through branches and logs, holding them like a guitar, before tossing away what he doesn’t want.

Tommy can be a bit of a hoarder as he doesn’t throw away much. He is in the habit of collecting forest flotsam and carrying it around with him as he goes. All four of his hands seem to be hanging onto something. One orangutan’s treasure is another’s junk. His collection of branches, shoots, and leaves may accumulate value someday, you never know. One thing all this gathering demonstrates is that his nest making skills are on point.

Tommy does take time to contemplate life and just enjoy the moment. Every day seems to provide much food for thought. That is one lesson we can all learn from Tommy. When forest school is over for the day, a contented Tommy happily leads the way back to the sleeping enclosure. In some months we will be happy to update you again on what Tommy has gathered and what he has accomplished!

Click here to download Tommy’s February 2023 Foster Update