SINTA

Sinta was in her overnight cage with her infant, Sabine, who looked comfortable resting on her mother’s shoulder. When there was no activity inside the cage, such as feeding or enrichment, the two of them spent most of their time resting in the corners.

Across from them was the cage of Jamilah and her baby, Ulin. From time to time, the two mother–infant pairs looked at each other. Jamilah, who had only been a mother for a few months, often seemed to watch how Sinta cared for Sabine, as if observing and learning from the more experienced mother.

Whenever she spotted an animal keeper, Sinta usually moved closer—whether the keeper was simply passing by on the way to the forest school or doing other tasks—as if anticipating feeding time. When feeding time arrived, Sinta would immediately go to the cage door where the keeper normally gave out food. She would reach her hand through the gap, and the keeper would pass the food to her one by one until everything was in her grasp.

That day’s menu consisted of carrots, eggplant, and oranges. Sinta ate the carrots and eggplant first, finishing them before moving on to the orange. She peeled the orange slowly, eating it calmly. Interestingly, she did not share the carrots or eggplant with Sabine, but when it came to the orange, she offered a small piece to her baby. Sabine eagerly accepted it and ate until the piece was gone.

When given water spinach, Sinta only ate the leaves, discarding the stems—a sign that she was quite selective with her vegetables. After finishing her meal, Sinta turned her attention back to Sabine. She groomed her baby by gently stroking her fur, then shifted Sabine from her front to her shoulder, making sure the little one stayed comfortable.