CLEVER KHEAL
In the lush canopy of Badak Kecil Island, amidst the rustling leaves and echoing calls of wildlife, Kheal, a remarkable orangutan, showcases her ingenuity in the face of challenges.
As the morning sun cast its golden rays over the feeding platform 6, the technicians observed Kheal alongside her fellow orangutans, eagerly partaking in the supplementary food provided. Despite the tropical heat, Kheal’s health appeared robust as she energetically indulged in the nourishing offerings.
However, it was Kheal’s resourcefulness that truly captured the attention of onlookers. Amidst the feast, she ingeniously utilised spinach and long beans as makeshift head coverings, draping them over her head to shield herself from the scorching sun. This behaviour demonstrated Kheal’s adeptness in employing tools and hinted at a keen awareness of environmental factors and the necessity for self-preservation.
Spinach and long beans make a perfect head covering against the scorching sun.
With her improvised sunshade in place, Kheal gracefully ascended to the canopy, effortlessly navigating the verdant treetops while carrying her prized food. Her agile movements and strong sense of balance demonstrate her mastery of the arboreal realm.
Later, the technicians spotted Kheal again near feeding platform 3. Amidst the dense foliage, she appeared in optimal health, her sleek hair glistening in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
During the observation, Kheal’s foraging skills were on full display as she traversed from tree to tree with remarkable agility, effortlessly plucking tender young water guava leaves and relishing banyan fruits—a true connoisseur of nature’s bounty.
In Kheal’s resourcefulness and resilience lies a profound lesson—a reminder of the remarkable capabilities of orangutans to thrive in their natural habitat, even amidst changing environmental conditions. As we witness Kheal’s graceful manoeuvres and ingenious solutions, let us be inspired by her perseverance and commitment to survival in the ever-evolving tapestry of the rainforest.
Please find out more about our work here!
