Koling’s journey at the Orangutan Care Centre and Quarantine (OCCQ) is full of surprises and misadventures. His growth over the last six months is palpable. Due to the inexorable passage of time his tender youth is giving way as he grows taller and in confidence.

Venturing into the playground, Koling’s evolution is evident. Once reliant on the comforting embrace of caregivers, he now brims with newfound courage, navigating the playground with a zest for exploration. The once-tearful transitions between playgrounds are now seamless, and he also dares to walk into the bushes alone.  However, as Koling embraces his independence, mischievous tendencies begin to surface. His playful escapades with Sugar take a hair-raising turn, quite literally, as he discovers the art of pulling Sugar’s hair. A climb atop Sugar’s body turns into boisterous play, occasionally leading to tears. The watchful caregivers intervene, ensuring a prompt separation. Koling is testing both his and his caregiver’s limits.

A skilled acrobat, Koling hangs from the playground rafters with skills beyond his years. Koling tries to transfer this into playing with some of the bigger orangutans, participating in playful skirmishes with Elvis, Usup, and even the formidable Jojo. After caregivers step in to save Koling from himself, he insists on chasing after the bigger Jojo. Nobody tells Koling what to do. In the minefield of social interactions, Koling engages with his companions with a mix of tenderness and playful curiosity. He prefers the playground to the forest and still snatches fleeting hugs from his caregivers when he becomes over stimulated. This doesn’t stop Koling from chewing things over, quite literally, stuffing his mouth with leaves and twigs.

In Koling’s story, every swing from a rope, every playful tussle, and every fleeting hug with caregivers tells a story of growth, independence, and displays the vibrant spirit of orangutans. We can’t wait to have more stories to tell about lovable Koling in the next six months!

Click here to download Koling’s February 2024 Foster Update