A Tale of Friendship and Resilience
Date Posted: September 13, 2024
Text by: BOS Foundation Communications Team at Nyaru Menteng, Central Kalimantan
In the heart of the Badak Besar Pre-release Island, Taymur, a young orangutan, has found himself settled into the area near feeding platform #3. As he settled into his new environment, Taymur demonstrated remarkable resilience, frequently joining his peers at feeding platform #3.
During fruit distributions by our technicians, Taymur shows his strong independence. He carefully takes just enough fruit and savours it in solitude near the fruit distribution site. His favourites are pineapple and rambutan and his enjoyment is visible.
Read more about Taymur: A MUDDY MEMORY
However, an incident occurred when his friend, Kalanis, snatched the fruit Taymur held. Taymur, visibly upset, distanced himself from Kalanis. Witnessing this, the team offered Taymur another piece of fruit and he relished it until he felt satisfied, then climbed a tree. However, a chase begun when Kalanis then followed Taymur up the tree, prompting Taymur to run into the depths of the forest.
It is believed that orangutans mostly live solitary lives due to competition for food. Although orangutans are primarily fruit eaters, they also regularly consume leaves, piths, insects, and other items. If resources are scarce, competition over available high-value food items can lead to conflict. Fortunately, the conflict between Taymur and Kalanis was not serious. Taymur is calm, preferring to avoid conflict and not engage any further with Kalanis.
Despite the brief turmoil, Taymur emerged healthy, active, and thoroughly enjoying his adventures on the Salat Pre-release Island. The challenges he faces, only strengthen Taymur's spirit, turning his island experience into a testament of friendship, resilience, and the untamed spirit of the orangutan.