Gokong is now three years of age and weighs 12kg. He is currently housed in a social group including Seroja, Siboy, Rory, Bina Wana, Cita Ria and Bintang. Unlike some of his friends, Gokong still enjoys interacting with his keepers. He is a bit naughty, and will hold out his hand to get their attention, and then grab them! Although he is very playful, Gokong also likes to spend some quiet time alone.
Gokong is one of the most playful orangutans in his group, and is always looking for someone to join in his antics! Often, he can be seen following Seroja in order to learn how to eat new foods. This is an important skill in Gokong’s journey to learn how to live in the forest again, where orangutans must find and open fruits on their own.
Although Gokong has not yet learned how to successfully build his own nest, he practices every day. He likes to throw branches and leaves around, and we are hopeful that soon he will master this behavior! Gokong’s behavior has become more natural in that he will now only sleep in swings, high up off of the floor.
Gokong loves to roll around in hessian sacks – he especially loves to use them when chasing his friends! Gokong also enjoys working to get honey out of balls and kongs, which helps him to develop skills both in tool use and foraging.
Gokong is beginning to learn how to problem solve and open coconuts – both important skills for living in the wild! His favourite foods are sweet potatoes and corn. Ever since his best friend Nadya graduated from the small group, Gokong has matured quickly. He has become more independent and no longer clings to other orangutans.
Gokong is very healthy and has not had any recent medical cases. He was recently screened by our veterinary team for salmonella, but was clear and passed his full health check.
Overall, Gokong has made excellent progress and he continues to learn more natural behaviours that will help him in the forest in the future.
