Aisha is becoming more independent, agile, and bold!
Two years have flown by and our little girl had another birthday (October 25)! Recently, we have a seen a lot of milestones in Aisha’s behavior. She is becoming more independent and Indah is more comfortable letting her explore on her own. In just the last two months, we have seen Aisha follow her mom to the front glass, increase her amount of play with her “aunties,” and even come down to the ground on her own.
Indah has started to leave Aisha and is letting her decide if she wants to follow. Most of the time, Aisha decides to join her. But the first few times Aisha walked on the ground, she was very hesitant; she particularly did not like the sand at the front of the exhibit and called for her mom to get her, so she did not have to touch it. She now crawls across it with little hesitation.
We have even seen her come to the ground without anyone being near. At first she came to the ground because Indah or another orangutan was there. But recently she came and pulled grass to eat and play with when no one else was around. All of this behavior is mimicking what she has seen from her mom.
In just the past week, we have seen an increase in the length of play between Aisha and Janey and Karen (the latter in particular). Karen clambers up into the climbing structure near Aisha and waits for the youngster to initiate play. (Aisha will leave if Karen is too pushy and tries to touch her first.) They play and wrestle on the ropes and in the hammocks. Sometimes it looks quite rough, but it is all play behavior. When Janey wants to play with Aisha, she goes to a spot on the ground that she knows the little one can reach from a rope or tree and waits for her to come to her. Once Aisha is more comfortable on the ground, I suspect we will see a lot more play between her and Janey.
The bond between Aisha and Indah continues to be incredibly strong. Aisha still goes to mom whenever she is anxious, and we have not ever separated Aisha from Indah. We are starting to work with them to be comfortable separating from one another. We want to be able to get frequent weights on Aisha—this is important for the species database on what is the normal range for a parent-raised infant. We also want to start her operant training so we can monitor her health as she grows and becomes an adult.
Tanya Howard is senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo. Read her previous blog, Siamangs Play Nice with Baby Orangutan Aisha.
I am lost without the video cam,it is not working properly,the picture is frozen.All of the other cams are working. This one has been out for the last week.Please fix. Thank you.
i love the ape
It’s such a delight to watch these beautiful, playful, apparently good-natured, easy-going siamangs and orangutans together. That little siamang is so lively and loves to bounce around – especially when playing with Aisha. I could go on and on about all the antics, the loving gestures between them, precious little bouncy Aisha ‘babysitting’ that little one, their beauty and wonder, and so on. This opportunity to see these animals in their beautiful habitats is a treasure for us all. I cannot help but be thankful the wildlife there are safe from predators and well cared for. Thank you for making the cams available to us; they’re outstanding. Bless you all for this gift you’ve given us, and the rest of ‘the world’.
i like yalls animals wish i could have one but corona is not safe animals can get it keep you and your animals safe and keep doing what yall are doing to keep them safe!!!
We are watching the Live Cams from Oaxaca, Mexico during our time of self-quarantine. We are fascinated by the behavior of the apes, especially Aisha’s love for Sela. We hope to visit the San Diego Zoo in the future and meet all these wonderful animals in person.
My 6 year old son and I are sitting her every day watching the Ape Cam during our Social Distancing. We are truly amazed at the friendship displayed between Aisha and Selamat. Their antics make us laugh so much we cry, just now Aisha was throwing dirt at Satu and he just put his hands over his eyes… but he didn’t give up his burlap when she tried to snag it!! Some day, we hope to travel from New York to come see these new friends in person.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE NEW CAMERA!! Everything is so clear now
One more thing. I was wondering if all young orangutans exhibit such humor as Aisha or is she unusual in that regard. I find myself laughing out loud when watching her. She is a real comedian. Then again there is that sweet and gentle side when she plays with the baby.
Any photos of Aisha’s birthday on the 25th I thought it was on the 28th. Brokenhearted I missed it she gives such joy to all her pals.
Blog Moderator’s note: Some fun footage is being edited even as I type! It will be posted on the Zoo’s YouTube channel, but I don’t have a firm “premiere” date, so keep checking. But in the meantime, you will want to enjoy this video (also on our YouTube channel) of “big girl” Aisha have such gentle fun with Sela, a one-year-old siamang—they are the most adorable best buddies!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AISHA!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AISHA!!!!!! Enjoy all of your treats with your friends!!
I really enjoy watching the apes! Is Karen still a part of the troop?
Blog Monitor’s note: Yes, she is! If you’re a fan of Karen’s and have children in your life (or even if you don’t!), you should know we published a book about her challenging start in life: Karen’s Heart: The True Story of a Brave Baby Orangutan.
I see the climbing area has been changed. I see that the area where Indah usually swings is now gone. She seems to only be able to hold onto one rope and can’t swing. Swinging seems her way to make her happy doing it.
Blog Monitor’s note: The keepers make changes in the layout of the habitat as part of their effort to provide behavioral enrichment for the animals. Watch Indah develop a new thing she likes to do—she’s very creative!
You said you would have good news about the apes and how they are doing in Jan. We can’t wait till you give us the update. I did see that Ellie had a baby ! I guess, it was a surprise for everyone of us too !
Blog Monitor’s note: We posted a long-form article about our orangutans this month: Troop Dynamics.
I haven’t seen Karen for a long time. Is she still there are has she been moved ?
Blog Monitor’s note: She’s still there. 🙂
Could you please post some pictures of Aisha’s recent birthday? I hope you have some and can share with us loyal fans.. Thanks
Can someone please update about Aisha, The blog only states the she is two. I think I have been watching her since she was born Oct. 25,2013. That would make her 5yrs old.
Blog Monitor’s note: Good news! We have a long-form article about the orangs slated for January that will fill you in on how Aisha and all of our beloved group are doing. Spoiler alert: They’re GREAT, and have such fascinating personalities. 🙂
The other say I watched Aisha fashion a toy by laying a vine over the rope near the window then she grabbed it below the rope and began twisting it until it was tight. Then I watched as she grabbed it again and let herself spin around as it untwisted. She repeated this a couple of times. Amazing
What has happen to Aisha?
Blog Monitor’s note: She’s still with the troop. 🙂
Yesterday the picture was clear, today it is all blurry and fuzzy again. What gives?
This used to be my favorite cam. Too blurry and very bored animals if any in view. Signing off for good.
Where is Aisha? I haven’t seen her on the cam for days.
Lori
I have a still image and a spinning circle, no video.
Why are cameras not working properly? Can anyone fix it?
Blog Monitor’s note: It seems to be working at this moment. Whatever it was must have been noticed and fixed?
Do orangutans have breeding cycles? I think Aisha needs a brother. Satu seems to sit with Indah alot lately.
He is so sweet. Does he have his spunky moments?
Because they are so human like, do you on their special day do something special for them before they come out. Like maybe sing happy birthday to them or give them a treat like fruit ? Now that Aisha is 4, she sees to be going non stop. I’m sure the camera person can’t hardly keep up following her around. Happy Birthday to her.
Will the zoo be celebrating Aisha’s 4th birthday on Oct. 25, or sooner ? Love watching them opening the presents and playing with the streamers.
Blog Monitor’s note: A modest, but fun celebration will take place on October 25.
I was just wondering what do the orangutan eat when the are inside. Do they get fruit or something good to eat ? Most of the time, when they are outside, it just looks like they eat leaves.
keep up the good work taking care of all of them.
The Primate Team responds: Both inside and outside, in addition to the leaves, the orangutans eat a variety of root vegetables, vegetables, fruit, and lettuce.
Today I watched Aisha on the ground with Mom and she was playing with a green ball and having so much fun. She’s getting to be a big girl. Love watching her antics.
How old is Indah ? I have it wrote down July 23, 1986. Is that when she came to the zoo, or when she was born ? Also can you tell me the others birthdates to? I like knowing when they get their treats on their special day. Fun watching them go through their packages.
Blog Monitor’s note: She is 31 years young. 🙂
I see that someone asked questions about the orangutans and has not gotten an answer as of yet.
Monitor’s update: It’s been answered! 🙂
First may I say, thank you for answering me. I wanted to know how many babies has India had and would she have more ? Also, will the
zoo be bringing in another Orangutan to replace loving Janey ? Love seeing Aisha getting so big. Now I see she is rolling around like Karen does and is going off by herself when she wants to.
Thanks to all who take care of them.
Monitor’s note: Aisha is Indah’s second offspring. She and Satu also sired Cinta, who is now at St. Louis zoo. Animal moves are determined by the Orangutan Species Survival Plan which looks many factors. At this time, there are no plans to bring another orangutan to the San Diego Zoo.
I notice that our comments are not being answered anymore. Is no one available to do it ?
Monitor’s note: I answer when I can. 🙂 Did you have a question?
why cant I bring up the ape cam it stays black the other ones are the same I miss watching Aisha and the other ones
Please give Indah back the big blue disc. She looks so uncomfortable now. She use to turn and place the disc in a position that she could lay down and relax with Aisha. Now she has to sit straight up on the perch.
Orangutan Keepers reply: Indah has many places in the exhibit where she rests. We change out the enrichment items frequently to increase activity and exhibit utilization. We will be putting the disc in the exhibit at some point. Indah may utilize it the same way or in a different manner.
When did you celebrate Aisha’s Birthday? How did I miss it? Is there any video anywhere?
Monitor’s note: It was a low-key affair this year: keepers put out special enrichment for her and the troop, but no video or photographs were recorded for publication. However, keeper Tanya did give us all an update on the charming little youngster: Aisha Turns 3!
Have you been able to weigh Aisha yet? She seems to be more filled out…more muscular in the last few months. She is also more active.
I’m glad that the info on Orangutans states they are thinkers. I’d love to know what Indah is thinking. Bet she could write a book.
Do the orangutans respond to their names?
Looking forward to Aisha’s third birthday. After her second it seemed boxes would be the best gifts.
Tanya replies: We record Aisha’s weight every month; she currently weighs 18 pounds. And while the orangutans know their names, that doesn’t mean they respond every time! 😉
Aisha’s b day is Oct 25th. She will be three. I hope there’s some celebrating for her.
Isn’t Aisha’s birthday this month ? Did you already celebrate her day ? I noticed the other day, It looked like they has something special to eat. I do hope someone will answer some of our questions soon.
Has anyone noticed if the other orangutans miss Janey? She use to be close with Satu. We miss seeing her at the window.
The orangutans have got a lot of new “toys” in their enclosure recently (the siamangs don’t seem to be interested in them). Are new enrichment items like this budgeted as part of the overall zoo expenditures or do they come from private donations with specifics as to how the money is to be spent? (or “other”?)
Monitor’s note: Enrichment items are mainly funded through our Wish List (click to learn more).
Are the summer hours longer? It is 5:43 and Indah is still swinging. I notice they are up earlier also.
Monitor’s note: Yes, Nighttime Zoo started this weekend, so we are open until 8 p.m. this month, lengthening to 9 p.m. next month.
Breaks my heart to read about Janey. OTOH how fortunate we were to “know” her.
Very sad, I will always love Janey.
I will miss Janey. She was a very sweet o-rang who I sat with many times at the window. Do you think
the others know she is gone? Maybe.
On Facebook there is a post that says that Janey died. Is that true? How sad. Aisha will miss her Auntie Jane.
Monitor’s note: Sadly, yes; our beloved Janey was euthanized due to heart complications. Born in 1961, she was the oldest living Bornean orangutan in the U.S. She was a well known figure here and will be dearly missed.
I can tell its Karen because she’s kinda round and short. Indah has a bump on her forehead ans maybe a little longer face.
Will we get a new blog soon?
I was wondering what will become of Aisha when she get older ? Will she stay with the others in that habitat she is in already or will she be given to another zoo ? Hate so see her leave. Would like to see her grow up there.
There is a video of Aisha walking in the grass on Facebook at “Adventures of Janey” you don’t need to be registered to Facebook to see it.
In my next life I was to be a Orangutan at the SanDiego zoo. Aisha is getting so strong and into so much mischief. Somedays I swear she’s seen exercise videos on TV. She’s doing pushups and squats.
Satu just won’t leave that green disc out of the hammock for more than 3 days. Thanks keepers for putting it back in place.
TODAY, GOT TO SEE AISHA COME DOWN THE STRUCTURE AND WALK ACROSS THE GRASS ! SHE WALKED RIGHT BY KAREN AND ONTO THE GRASS TO A ROPE AND WENT UP IT. SHE IS GETTING SO BIG. I STILL CALL HER THE BABY AND INDAH MOM. AISHA IS A KICK TO WATCH HER ANTICS. NEVER A DULL MOMENT WITH HER. KAREN LIKES TO PLAY WITH AISHA. SHE LIKES BEING THE BABYSITTER FOR MOM.
I have not been that active with the SDZoo cams because I tried to not use the Flash player in my browser. it would be nice to get a keeper’s blog update on the orangutans. I miss them and am curious about how Aisha is developing.
@Anne, I think that Indah is known for having very long hair. I don’t know Karen very well visually except she has a habit where she prefer to roll herself along the ground (rather than just walk). also Indah generally prefers to be up on a climbing structure when she is outside. hope that helps!
How do you tell Indah and Karen apart? I’ve pretty much learned to recognize Janey. Satu seems to feel that the big green disk belongs in the hammock. I’ve seen him put it in the hammock 3 times. Aisha would love to be able to get it out.
satu is so funny – he loves sitting at the glass window watching all the people!
Many thanks for the web cams. My bucket list includes a visit.
“video unavailable ” Why?
myrtle ,York south Carolina. they help me with my stress,i am 53,and I enjoy them,i watch twice a day
merry Christmas to all!
Is Aisha alright today? She was so lethargic today which is so unlike her. I hope all is well with her. Please let us know. Thank you for all you do for these beautiful animals!
Today, 12/14/15, Aisha appeared to be cold. Her mom has been trying to keep her warm for the last 4 hours. Are they not permitted to go indoors when they want to? They both seem to be cold but I feel real bad for baby Aisha.
are there particular hours that are best to visit and view Aisha in person? I am thinking about making a trip to the zoo and it would be a real treat to see her live.
yay, I found it down at the bottom here, clicked on SD zoo
where’s the ape cam? I can’t find it
It is a pity that you can not Aisha to watch the webcams … I look forward to repair the preview. Yours operators and małpusie too :-))
The new website is beautiful. Great job.