In the wild, baby orangutans remain closely attached to their mothers until they are around 7 to 8 years old. During this long period, a female orangutan will not give birth again, as all her energy and focus are devoted to nurturing and teaching her current offspring.

This period of dependency is critical for the infant to learn essential survival skills. From finding food and exploring their environment to building sleeping nests, orangutan infants absorb everything by watching their mothers. The mother also serves as the child’s main protector from external threats in the forest.

Meet Rafalang: A Young Learner in the Wild

Rafalang, the offspring of female orangutan Signe, is estimated to be around three years old. At this age, he still clings closely to his mother but has started mimicking her behaviours—especially when it comes to food.

Read also: SIGNE AND RAFALANG: DAYS IN THE KEHJE SEWEN FOREST

During one observation, Signe was seen feeding on cambium, the inner bark of a tree. Rafalang watched attentively from her arms, and before long, he began licking the cambium directly from the same tree trunk. Though he has yet to learn how to peel bark himself, Rafalang’s attempt was an important milestone in his development.

Learning Through Observation and Imitation

Beyond food habits, Rafalang is also learning how to navigate the forest canopy by watching his mother. When Signe paused for a while to enjoy her favourite tree bark, Rafalang took the opportunity to practice climbing and even briefly let go of her embrace. Despite his young age, he already shows promising climbing abilities.

Read also: SIGNE, MOTHER AND TEACHER

However, Rafalang is still wary of humans. When he senses people nearby, he tends to stay close to Signe or hides behind her back. This cautious behaviour is typical for a wild-born orangutan who has had limited exposure to humans.

Wild-Born vs. Rehabilitated: A Contrast in Behaviour

Unlike Rafalang, Signe is a rehabilitated orangutan who once lived in a rescue centre before being reintroduced to the wild. Because of her past, Signe no longer sees humans as a threat. When she encounters humans in the forest, she often approaches calmly, without showing signs of fear or aggression.

Read also: INTEROBSERVER: ALIGNING PERCEPTIONS IN ORANGUTAN OBSERVATION

In contrast, Rafalang—who was born in the wild—displays a much more natural response. Upon encountering observers, he either retreats behind his mother or peeks out cautiously. This kind of behaviour indicates a healthy wild instinct, which is essential for survival in natural environments.

Instinctive Learning, Without Pressure

The bond between Signe and Rafalang illustrates how orangutans learn through natural interaction rather than structured teaching. Rafalang is not directly instructed but instead picks up skills simply by observing his mother’s daily behaviour and imitating her.

This learning process is free of pressure, commands, or artificial training. It reflects the power of instinct and the importance of strong maternal bonds in the development of young orangutans.

Protecting Habitat Means Protecting Generations

The story of Signe and Rafalang reminds us how vital natural habitats are for the transmission of knowledge and skills in the wild. Such meaningful learning and adaptation can only occur when ecosystems are left intact and undisturbed.

As Rafalang slowly grows into independence, he is being equipped—day by day—with the tools needed to survive and thrive in Kehje Sewen Forest. Their journey is a beautiful reminder that protecting forests also means nurturing the future of wildlife.

Text by: Biodiversity-PRM Team, PT. RHOI at Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan