An independent, whimsical, and intelligent orangutan, Faisal’s cleverness shines through in the way he seems to understand and respond to his caregivers’ speech – a capacity few orangutans show to the same degree. When the caregivers call his name, Faisal turns around to make eye contact, making little squeaking sounds in response. He may change his direction of travel based on the urging of a caregiver. But for the most part, Faisal has his own agenda in the forest. He moves quickly over great distances, usually on the forest floor, only stopping every now and then to pick gingerly through a bit of mud, tear open a termite nest with his teeth, wrestle with a friend, or splash around in a puddle of water.