Ellie is Friska’s daughter and was born in 1998 at the end of the initial research period at Suaq. She has been a focal point of our long-term orangutan behaviour studies. When we returned to Suaq in 2007, Ellie had transformed into a strong-spirited juvenile. She soon ventured on her own, though she frequently visited her mother, Friska, and played with her younger brother, Fredy, during the early years of her independence.

Ellie spent most of her juvenile years in the company of a group of other juvenile girls. Known for her moody teenage years, Ellie made her presence known by noisily navigating through the forest, breaking branches and trees on her way through. On rainy mornings, she was notorious for dismantling her night nests or even destroying her nesting trees. Ellie’s evenings were spent feasting in large feeding trees, often going to bed late and becoming quite chubby, especially during fruitful seasons. Now, Ellies large belly and frowning face mark the distinct characteristics we use to recognise her.

In 2014, Ellie became a mother to Eden. Initially, we were concerned about her maternal instincts, but Ellie quickly proved to be an exceptional mother. For the first six months, she frequently supported Eden with her hand, ensuring her baby clung securely to her fur. Despite her swift movements through the forest, Ellie managed this extra care with ease, reflecting her protective nature.

Eden has since grown into a bold and independent orangutan. At the beginning of 2022, Ellie expanded her family with the birth of her son, Emen. Emen, like his sister, is curious and adventurous, often seen sampling fruits and leaves alongside his mother. As an experienced mother, Ellie remains vigilant yet allows her children the freedom to explore their environment.

Ellie and Emen and Eden continue to reside in the central part of the Suaq study area, allowing us to regularly observe and document their behaviour. Through Ellie and her family’s story, we gain invaluable insights into orangutan behaviour and conservation, underscoring the importance of our long-term research efforts at Suaq.