Rahayu is now living on Sentrum Island alongside a small group of orangutans, and over the past six months she has continued to make steady, encouraging progress.
Beautiful Rahayu in the canopy
Weighing around 43 kg, she is adapting well to her new surroundings and showing a growing sense of confidence in her daily life.
One of the most positive developments has been her increasing independence. Rahayu is finding more of her own food and engaging more actively with those around her. She is often seen spending time with Giet, and the two regularly play and interact - a lovely sign of her developing social skills.
Her days are settling into a natural rhythm. Mornings are spent foraging, exploring the island, and socialising, while late afternoons are dedicated to preparing her nest for the night. It’s a routine that reflects her gradual adjustment to life in the forest.
Rahayu’s foraging abilities continue to improve. She feeds on a wide variety of natural foods, including leban, mensirak and bintagur fruits, as well as termites and simpur stems. While she still enjoys supplementary foods such as sweet potatoes, ripe papaya, corn, and bananas, she is increasingly supplementing these with what she finds independently.
Because of her eyesight limitations, Rahayu still spends considerable time on the ground. This also influences her nesting behaviour, as she currently prefers to build her nests on the ground rather than higher up. The team gently encourages more arboreal nesting, but for now she chooses what feels safest. Even so, she consistently builds a new nest each afternoon, demonstrating a clear understanding of her daily routine.
Socially, Rahayu is active and generally integrates well with the group, though her interactions can vary. She may show occasional moments of irritation and is not particularly dominant, sometimes giving way to others, especially during feeding. She receives regular enrichment using natural materials such as decaying wood, sacks, and plant stems, helping to keep her engaged and support her natural behaviours.
Rahayu is in excellent physical health. She is active, shows no signs of stress, and has not required any significant medical care. Her responses to caregivers can vary depending on familiarity.
Thank you for supporting Rahayu as she continues her journey toward independence. Your care is helping her build the skills and confidence she needs to thrive in the forest.
