The work of enriching and improving Hocky’s home continued long after the actual construction was finished (see “A New Home for Hocky”). Indeed, a lot has changed since Hocky first moved to the new sleeping enclosure built especially for her. In the beginning, Hocky and her friends were given temporary enrichment items, such as rattan balls, to keep them occupied. Now, however, there is a large bucket hammock and rope from which four tires are [...]

  Care Center   Hocky, OCCQ, rehabilitation, by Rowan Klaassen.

Many good teams are trios. The Three musketeers, Charlie’s Angels, or for you primate fans, Leakey”s Angels. This last “team” consisted of three female primatologists Dr. Louis Leakey encouraged to study wild great apes in the 60’s and 70’s. The African ape ladies.were Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, while the only ‘Angel’ in Asia was Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas. After 40 years of studying orangutans in their native habitat in Borneo, Dr. Galdikas, co-founder of [...]

  Visitor's Corner   Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas, Hangki, Hocky, by Rowan Klaassen.

It only takes one moment of clarity to realize how important enrichment is for captive animals. My moment of clarity came last week when I was introduced to a young orangutan through long-term volunteer Jennifer Donay. Not only has this orangutan inspired a unique new enrichment program, but she also has taught me many lessons about what is important in life and how to enjoy the simple pleasures every day. Our Featured Orangutan of the [...]

  Enrichment, Visitor's Corner   Hocky, rehabilitation, by Jessica Pearl Parker.