updates on our infant adopted orangutans

Name: Jarot
Sex: male
Arrived at centre: 26 March 2008
Approximate age: born July 2007
Previous history: confiscated from a local villager in Tapanuli Selatan.
Previous history: Mother died giving birth to him at Bukit Lawang
Care centre: Batu Mbelin Orangutan Quarantine Centre, North Sumatra
Update: April 2010

Background: Confiscated from a farmer in Padang. He arrived with burnt hair, a fractured skull and no appetite. He was very slow initially and they thought he might have had brain damage. Following advice from a Swiss doctor, instead of operating they decided to wait and just provide supportive treatment. Over time his head healed, he regained appetite and his head healed quite well. No signs of brain damage or retardation.Current weight: 15 - 18kg. Healthy range - slightly overweight.Diet: Fruits, vegetables, leaves, milk (twice a day), honey, plus supplements e.g. yakult (probiotic), boiled egg.Good eater? Yes. Very dominate with food- loves his food.Favourite food? HeÕs a foodaholic - he eats everything!!Activities: Taken out to jungle once a week, tyre ropes, basket swings, plastic drums, enrichment.Favourite activity: Eating and playing with the blue drums.Climbing skills: He is a very confident and capable climber.Personality traits: Very dominant for feeding sessions, very confident in himself and can be at times aggressive toward the other orangs. He is quite shy and reluctant to interact too much with people, which is good. He is quite independent. He is a bit fatter than the others but he does have very nice hair.Friends: He is quite independent but his mates are Brownie and Jeff.Medication: Probiotic, vitamin supplements, baby supplements, eggs, routine worming and health checks. Since the last update he has had the occasional bout of diahoroeh and the common cold with fever. Other info: Jarot is now in the larger socialisation group (28 orangutans, split into 4 groups. 2 large and 2 smaller groups). The hope is they will interact and learn from oneanothers.The 6-month plan: Socialisation, build confidence/independence, reduce contact with carers.Future: Release him in Jambi in the next 2+ years with Miriam.