Greetings, fabulous foster family! It’s that time again for your Crystal-clear update on the orangutan adventures at the Orangutan Care Centre and Quarantine (OCCQ). Grab your orangutan-sized sunglasses because Crystal is bringing the sunshine to 2024. Crystal, the playful powerhouse, is still living it up alongside her pals Vida, Royal, and Proudfoot. These four amigos are practically inseparable and always up for a good time. Crystal works on “orangutan time” which means we have to work to her schedule, not ours.

Crystal is a forest enthusiast but will make a pit stop for cassava leaves before venturing into the great outdoors. Crystal hops around both playgrounds with ease and announces her presence by striding with purpose along the wooden tyre bridge connecting the two playgrounds. Crystal is friend to one and all but especially enjoys playing with the younger orangutans. Along with Jojo, Sugar, Koling and Margaret, Crystal turns the playground into an amateur wrestling arena. Here they tag team in turns of friendly bouts of biting, rolling and pulling. Inevitably Crystal is the ringleader. Crystal also makes time for her caregivers. She makes the simple task of walking a fully-fledged adventure by hugging and pulling at her caregiver’s legs. Everyone is kept fit during forest school when Crystal is around.

It’s not all fun and games as Crystal is a serious tree aficionado. She climbs trees like a pro, sometimes solo, sometimes with her partners in crime, Vida and Proudfoot. They’re the three arboreal acrobats, swinging from branch to branch, reaching new heights and breaking a few tree branches for good measure. This DIY jungle project will be a lifelong obsession. As our orangutan heroine grows, so does her majestic appearance. Tall with thick and dark hair — Crystal is blossoming into an orangutan superstar. Watch out, world, because Crystal is swinging into action, one playful leap at a time! Stay tuned for more orangutan antics.

Click here to download Crystal’s February 2024 Foster Update