BABY ORANGUTAN WALKS OUT ON PLATFORM TO TRY OUT OUTDOOR CLIMBING AREA FOR THE FIRST TIME
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
A baby orangutan has been spotted confidently exploring a zoo’s outdoor climbing area for the first time delighting onlookers as he swung, clambered, and played with his family in a rare, heartwarming moment.
The young orangutan, Ranbi, was seen testing out a large platform and rope swing, accompanied by his mother Chinta and older sister Natalia.
Until now, Ranbi had stuck closely to his mum and avoided the play area, which was specially built to enrich the orangutans’ daily routine in the Paignton Zoo, UK.
The upgraded outdoor climbing space was designed to mimic the wild, offering the animals more freedom to climb, swing, and explore at height.
For visitors, it’s a chance to observe their natural behaviours in action.
The images were captured by a long-time zoo visitor and animal photographer, who has spent years documenting daily life in the orangutan enclosure, often catching intimate and joyful moments missed by staff.
The Paignton Zoo visitor said: "It was the first time I had seen Chinta and her baby Ranbi out on their platforms and swing. Ranbi can also be seen playing with his big sister Natalia.
"I was just overjoyed that baby Ranbi finally got to play on the big outdoor play area and swing.
"I took the photos because the keepers don't have time to see what the animals get up to.
"Friends just enjoyed seeing them playing.
"Needless to say, they all enjoyed using the swing."
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