Blog Archive

Yesterday Kluet and Karta, our Sumatran Orangutans, got an early Christmas present from our wonderful volunteers.

The BEEZA (Behavioural and Environmental Enrichment for Zoo Animals) volunteers made Kluet and Karta a huge box filled with many smaller boxes, which were in turned filled with all sorts of treats like dried fruit, popcorn (unsalted and unbuttered!!) and also a few peanuts.

Kluet didn’t spot the box for a few minutes as he was too busy tucking into diced vegetables and sultanas in a special puzzle feeder in the exhibit. Karta, on the other hand, was making quick work of the box and its goodies. As you can see from the photos she was certainly enjoying herself!

Karta was attempting to work as quickly as she could before Kluet clued onto what was happening. Karta quickly opened each box and drained it of its contents, leaving a pile of empty boxes for Kluet. Not that Kluet minded really, he got to get all the other treats scattered around the exhibit while Karta was occupied and then they both settled down with the boxes and made some lovely cardboard nests to sleep away their full bellies.

The Christmas holidays is a great time to come and check out the orangutans, as the orangutan keepers will be doing a public presentation at 1.30pm every day over the school holidays. The keepers have a few more Christmas presents for Kluet and Karta before the big day arrives, so why don’t you come along and see if you can spot them opening their presents?

Jodie
Primate Keeper, Zoos SA