By Daily Mail Reporter


Break for freedom: Charlie begins his short ascent up the tree before his mother notices his attempt


Just like a curious toddler this adorable baby orang-utan wandered too far from his mother before she reeled him back in with her firm grip.

In an incredibly human-like scene naughty Charlie's mother clearly thought her mischievous baby had climbed far enough as he explored a tree at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Borneo.

And when Britt has had enough she simply extends one of her gigantic arms and scoops up her tiny king of the swingers before giving him a relieved cuddle.


Another astonishingly tender moment comes when Charlie's father Miskam wanders over to make sure his son is ok.

British photographer Dave Stevenson, 28, from London, caught the perfect moment as the doting father lovingly stares down into Charlie's eyes.

Dave pictured the touching scene of the primates - all rescue animals - during a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo, last month.

Gotcha: Charlie's mother's long reach stops his climb as she grabs onto his neck to ensure his safety


He said: 'Just like any mum, the further he moved away the more closely she watched, until her nerve gave out and she pulled him back.

'Charlie was doing what comes naturally to all babies - just exploring.

'He had been clinging to mum while she ate, but he started climbing solo. She looked away for a heartbeat and he started exploring higher and higher.

'Orangutans are amazingly adept climbers, but before he could get out of arms' reach she reached out a huge hand and brought him back down.

'It was a very gentle moment and it was very touching to see such a large animal treat such a small one so carefully.

'Watching dad Miskam come in at the end was great. Male orangutans tend not to play a role in raising infants, so witnessing a tender shot like this is rare.'

Family meeting: Dad Miskam comes over to check on his family, while Charlie upholds his mischievous reputation as he swings on the ropes


Fortunately the future also looks bright for one-year-old Charlie and his parents - the centre aims to rehabilitate all orphaned or injured orangutans.

The animals are mostly hurt or displaced by the destruction of their habitats through the logging and palm oil industries which are ravaging Borneo's rainforest.

'Britt is already rehabilitated and since Charlie is lucky enough to live with his natural mother they'll both live in the rainforest eventually,' said Dave.

'The jungle at Sepilok isn't an enclosure. It's a 16 square mile patch of protected rainforest in which rehabilitated orangutans are free to roam.

'The orangutans are fed twice a day to make sure they're getting enough food, but the diet is deliberately kept boring so they're encouraged to explore the jungle in search of more interesting fare.'


The camera captures this touching moment showing the incredible bond between mother and child as they are locked in an embrace


Britt was rescued from a plantation by the centre in 1999 when she was 18 months old. Charlie was born just under a year ago in the reserve.

Sepilok is home to around 100 orangutans in the jungle reserve.

In the centre itself approximately 25 young orangutans are going through 'jungle training' to help them prepare for a life living independently.



source:dailymail