Banir

In December, the orangutans at the Sintang Orangutan Center (SOC) enjoyed a series of Christmas Treats designed as part of the enrichment program to support their well-being and encourage the expression of natural behaviors. This seasonal enrichment not only provides dietary variation but also stimulates exploration, problem-solving skills, and motoric activity.

One of the most anticipated treats is durian, a seasonal fruit that is also part of the orangutan’s natural diet in the wild. The durians were provided whole, allowing the orangutans to express their natural feeding behaviors by opening and processing the fruit themselves. For Banir, this challenge was not difficult. With quick and skillful movements, she easily broke through the hard, spiky shell. Unlike Julia, who is known to eat durian down to the seed, Banir chose to consume only the flesh. Despite the fruit’s strong aroma, Banir appeared to enjoy every bite calmly.

During feeding times, Banir also displays her distinctive personality. She is not an individual who is noisy or rushed. Banir takes only what she needs, holding her food with both her hands and feet, then moves to a location she considers most comfortable before eating. This behavior reflects her calm, confident, and non-competitive nature, while also demonstrating her ability to manage space and resources independently.

Behind her composed demeanor, Banir has a strong exploratory side. On one occasion, she was observed completely soaked inside the enclosure after playing with the drinking water tap. Banir used the flowing water as a game and exploration activity. This simple activity highlights her curiosity, adaptability, and need for environmental stimulation—key aspects of natural orangutan behavior during the rehabilitation process.

Through daily observations of Banir—from the way she enjoys durian, chooses her feeding spots, to her interactions with water—the SOC team continues to monitor and support the development of her natural behaviors. Each of these small moments is part of a long-term rehabilitation process aimed at equipping Banir with the skills and independence she will need to one day live autonomously in her natural habitat.