We are delighted to add Kristin Steele to the Orangutan Foundation International Australia (OFIA) foster program. She holds a particularly special place in our hearts as she is named in honour and memory of OFIA Founder Kobe Steele’s late daughter. OFIA is Kristin’s legacy.
Orangutan Kristin Steele’s arrival at the Orangutan Care Centre & Quarantine (OCCQ) in Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) is a, sadly, all too familiar tale. She was reported to have been found alone in a rubber tree plantation some 100km from the Care Centre. She was being chased by village dogs, but luckily, the Forestry Department was informed and OFI was contacted. At just one year old, Kristin Steele would normally be inseparable from her mother, and we can only assume the worst. While it is a tragic loss, we now embrace her as part of our family.
Kristin Steele arrived at the Care Centre, small, weak and clearly traumatised, but in general good health considering the circumstances. Over the first few days, she was wary of her new surroundings and comforted herself by closely hugging branches and blankets that caregivers provided. As Kristin became more comfortable, staff took her for daily visits to the nearby forest. She was a natural climber and immediately took to the trees. She displayed an independence and inner strength, something that she clearly had developed in the time before her arrival at the OCCQ. Kristin also enjoyed the fruits provided to her, especially bananas. In fact, Kristin loves bananas so much that if her caregivers can’t find her, they say “if you lose Kristin Steele, look in the banana basket.” Sure enough, she’ll be there headfirst, bum in the air!