, Author at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Stories

All day long, Aisha can be seen on exhibit with the rest of the orangutans and now the siamangs, too. In December, after careful consideration, the introductions were made between Indah and Aisha and the siamangs. In the weeks prior, visual introductions were done inside where the siamangs could come near mom and baby but remain separate. We saw no negative interactions and even some interest from Aisha toward the siamangs. This lead us to believe that this time around should be different (ten years ago, the siamangs aggressively chased Indah and her baby, Cinta). And for sure, this time around was completely different. Indah was in charge of the introduction from the beginning. Whenever she thought the siamangs were getting too close or too inquisitive, she chased them off and made them leave her. There wasn’t any aggression or fighting ever during the entire process. The siamangs were interested in Aisha and continue to be. We see Unkie and Ellie play with Aisha (under Indah’s close supervision). They will grab her hair or arm or leg and Aisha will work at getting away and then as soon as she is ‘free,' she goes right back to them. We also see them swing their foot near her trying to get her to grab it. Karen has been interacting with Aisha more, hanging near her on the climbing structures. Aisha is spending more time away from Indah and Karen will go up into the tree to be near her. Janey hasn’t had much interaction with her but I figure once Aisha is on the ground more Janey will be playing with her and checking her out. At 15 months, Aisha is near 15 lbs and has 2 canines coming in-16 teeth in total. The orangutans can be seen in the exhibit from 9am to 4:30pm. BONUS: Watch the video of Aisha's first birthday Tanya Howard is senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.

Aisha Turns Two

Siamangs Play Nice With Baby Orangutan Aisha

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