Kobe, the charming orangutan, continues to captivate us with her wild spirit and independent nature. Being a solitary creature, Kobe often chooses to venture off on her own, exploring the surroundings of her habitat. She is known for creating intricate and comfortable nests in the Care Centre woodlands and forests, showcasing her intelligence and resourcefulness.

Despite her independent nature, Kobe has shown remarkable progress in her interactions with both her caregivers and fellow orangutans. Over the past year, she has formed a special bond with Karti and Judy, occasionally choosing to share sleeping spaces with them up in the trees. However, Kobe maintains her own rhythm and pace, often being the last to return to the ‘pondok’ (Indonesian for hut or shelter) at the end of the day. This behaviour reflects her preference for exploring and foraging in search of her favourite treat – wild fruit. Her excitement is palpable when she discovers a new food source and skilfully brings down fruits from the treetops.

In our interactions with Kobe, we have noticed her growing confidence and behavioural flexibility. She readily embraces new experiences and challenges, seizing every opportunity to expand her skills. Through ongoing and new enrichment activities, she has developed impressive problem-solving abilities and demonstrates exceptional physical agility. She can figure out how to open new types of enrichment “containers” made of natural materials without more than a minute of effort.

Kobe’s remarkable progress is a testament to the loving care she receives from our team of dedicated caregivers. Their patient and nurturing approach has created a safe environment where Kobe can thrive and express her natural behaviours.

As we continue to observe Kobe’s development, we are filled with optimism for her future. Orangutans are a semi-solitary species but remain, before becoming fully adult somewhat social, especially females. We anticipate further growth in her socialization skills, opening the door for deeper connections and interactions with other orangutans. Kobe’s journey is a testament to the incredible resilience and adaptability of these fascinating creatures, and we are privileged to be a part of her life.

Click here to download Kobe’s February 2024 Foster Update