Rickina and her infant, Ricko, are thriving in their forest enclosure, which they share with fellow mum Senandung and her baby Zeno.
Rickina and Ricko high in the canopy
Together they make up a small, but dynamic community where the youngsters can learn and play with each other. Rickina and Ricko are both in great health and Rickina is an attentive and patient mother.
In recent months, Rickina has been spending more time in the canopy, especially in the afternoons- moving confidently from branch to branch with Ricko close by her side. She’s teaching him the essentials of wild living: how to search for forest foods and, during fruiting peaks, how to keep pace with a busy foraging day. One of her endearing quirks is her talent for disappearing into the leaves so well that the keepers sometimes struggle to spot her.
Mornings often begin on the ground as the pair travels together; the rest of the day includes foraging, resting, and gentle play. Rickina doesn’t spend much time socialising with other orangutans; she’s focused on caring for Ricko, which is normal behaviour for a mother with a young infant.
Ricko hitching a ride into the forest area
Rickina enjoys a varied and healthy diet- provisioned favourites like sweet potato, corn, and leafy greens—paired with an expanding menu of wild choices, including fruits, seeds, bark, and other natural foods. She feeds calmly and never takes from others, often carrying her food up into the trees to share them quietly with Ricko.
By late afternoon, Rickina usually builds a night nest—often choosing to repair an older one rather than start anew. With trusted keepers she is relaxed and cooperative, though she can be assertive around unfamiliar people, which is a healthy sign of confidence and good judgement.
Overall, Rickina and Ricko are thriving in their large, forested enclosure. Rickina is active, protective, and increasingly assured in the canopy, giving Ricko the best possible start by passing on her knowledge and care. Watching their bond deepen is a hopeful glimpse of the future these two are working toward.
Thank you for helping Rickina and Ricko on their journey to freedom. Your support gives them a bright future.
