How do Orangutans Learn Through Play?
Date Posted: March 28, 2025
Text by: BOS Foundation Communication Team, BOSF HQ, Bogor, West Java
Every young orangutan is always on the lookout for their next big adventure! Whether it’s a new puzzle to solve, a challenge to conquer, or a skill to master, they are full of energy and enthusiasm, ready for whatever comes next. Their world is curious and exciting, where every new experience spark joy.
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At the BOS Foundation, the caregivers try to enrich the lives of orangutans in the most meaningful ways possible. The team, alongside passionate volunteers, recently introduced a set of fresh and innovative enrichment activities to the orangutan playground. These aren’t just ordinary play structures—they’re thoughtfully designed experiences stimulating both body and mind. We’ve constructed sturdy wooden frames that resemble monkey bars and added rotating coconut shells to the mix. These feature turning the playground into a dynamic space where the orangutans can climb, swing, and explore.
The Importance of Enrichment
But these aren’t just fun and games. As its name suggests, enrichment is meant to enrich the orangutans’ lives. It’s far more than a simple distraction; it’s a critical part of their development and well-being. These activities provide essential mental and physical stimulation, encouraging them to use their problem-solving skills, strengthen their muscles, and replicate natural behaviors they would need in the wild.
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Beyond that, enrichment is crucial in reducing stress and aggression, promoting emotional balance, and fostering a sense of accomplishment. It’s a multi-layered approach to care that helps them grow stronger, healthier, and happier.
Joyful Afternoons at the Playground
Since installing the enrichment features, something magical has happened every afternoon. When their lessons at Forest School are done for the day, the young orangutans race to the playground with boundless excitement, just like children running toward their favorite rides at an amusement park. There’s always a sense of anticipation in the air—the sheer joy on their faces is undeniable as they clamber over the new structures, testing their agility and curiosity at every turn.
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One of the most popular features is the rotating coconut shells, which delight the orangutans. A surrogate mother pours sweet honey into these spinning shells with precision and care, and the orangutans can’t resist the challenge. With gleaming eyes and outstretched hands, they scramble to reach the honey, using their tongues to lap up the sticky treat as the shells rotate. The combination of play and reward makes it an irresistible game that keeps them engaged for hours.
What will the next playground surprise be? Could it be a new puzzle that challenges their minds? Stay tuned...