MAMAT

In the morning, as the animal keepers cleaned the cage, they occasionally sprayed water from a hose to Mamat’s direction. His reaction was fascinating—he opened his mouth wide to drink from the stream as if savoring the freshness. However, when the spray started hitting his body, Mamat appeared displeased by the sensation. He quickly moved away and walked toward his shelter, his favorite spot to lounge. There, he lay down calmly, clearly enjoying his peaceful morning rest.

As usual, nearing the evening feeding time, Mamat showed his distinctive habit. He began making his characteristic vocalizations, signaling to the animal keepers that feeding time was approaching. This sound, a signature of Mamat’s, is something he consistently does every evening. Meanwhile, the keepers busily prepared his food, accompanied by Mamat’s persistent calls until his meal finally arrived. Once the food was delivered, Mamat showed his excitement in his own relaxed way, reflecting his habit of enjoying every meal with comfort and ease.

Lately, Mamat has shown a curious change in his eating habits, particularly with water spinach. He used to devour water spinach entirely, from the leaves down to the stems, leaving nothing behind. Recently, however, he only eats the leaves, leaving the stems untouched. This change is specific to water spinach, as other vegetables like papaya leaves and cabbage are still eaten completely. This behavior has prompted the animal keepers to observe him more closely, trying to understand if there’s a specific reason behind his new preference.

When it comes to fruit, Mamat has maintained his remarkable appetite. He finishes every fruit he’s given, but durian remains his ultimate favorite. When given a durian, Mamat skillfully peels the tough, spiky skin with his hands and his teeth. It doesn’t take him long to savor the soft, sweet flesh inside. Even the durian seeds caught his attention—he eagerly bites into them. The hard, spiny rind doesn’t go entirely to waste either; Mamat licks the interior thoroughly until every bit of flesh is gone. His love for durian truly shows how much he enjoys this treat with absolute delight.