The youngest orangutan in the group of arrivals that came to us in 2017 (formerly the youngest orangutan at the Center) is Archie. He’s a character and full of fun and play. Archie is very intent on staring down every new person he sees and is really a cutie! He has a big “play-face” and loves any kind of fun activity… including playing “ghost” under a sheet with Keagan.
Archie’s background was in the entertainment business in California for a few years, but most recently he lived in Central Florida. We’re very grateful that his owner decided to give Archie the opportunity for sanctuary care for the rest of his life.
In our 27 year history, the Center for Great Apes has successfully implemented birth control methods for each of our residents until now.
One morning in February (2020) we discovered one of Archie’s companions Sunshine had given birth to a little girl who we’ve named Cahaya which means “light”, “radiant” and “shine” in Indonesian.
Archie is the father to this little one and still acts like a juvenile, barely able to cocntain his desire to touch and kiss her. He has a very gentle approach but Cahaya’s mother Sunshine is cautious. She will let Archie touch Cahaya, but not yet hold or carry her. Archies’s older sister Keagan is a wonderful Aunt and has many more privileges and Sunshine allows Keagan more interactions than she does Archie.
While this birth was not in our plan or mission, Cahaya will receive the same love and care that all of our residents at our sanctuary do.
