In a moment every parent can relate to, a young orangutan at Pairi Daiza Safari Park in Belgium threw a hilarious tantrum when his mom decided playtime was over.
The 3-year-old, named Berani, stomped, pouted, and refused to budge — until he melted everyone’s hearts by giving his mom, Sari, a big kiss to make up for it.
The entire scene, captured on camera by photographer Koen Hartkamp, spread quickly online, proving that even in the world of animals, toddler drama is universal.
Full Story: Man Loses 360 Pounds Naturally—Internet Rallies to Support His Next Step
A Familiar Battle Between Parent and Child
Sari, a 16-year-old Sumatran orangutan, was simply trying to move her playful son to another part of the enclosure. Berani, however, had other ideas — throwing himself to the ground and resisting every tug.
“Just like all small children, Berani still has to listen to what mom says,” Hartkamp told reporters. “Judging by the pictures, he didn’t like it one bit.”
Eventually, Sari’s patience won out. She gently pulled him along until the little rebel finally gave in — sulking under a gold-colored blanket before reemerging for a drink of water, his dignity (mostly) intact.
Later, in a perfectly cinematic twist, Berani wrapped his tiny arms around his mom’s face and kissed her, sealing the truce.
A Family with Heart
Berani lives at Pairi Daiza with Sari and his father, Ujian, who all arrived from Germany in 2017. The family has become one of the park’s most popular attractions — and symbols of connection and care among animals.
When Berani turned three, staff threw him a birthday party complete with a carrot cake topped with fruit and rose petals (without thorns, thankfully). His parents joined in, happily stealing bites of their son’s treat.
For Sari’s birthday, the park repeated the celebration, gifting her colorful boxes filled with fruit and seeds — along with soft blankets donated by visitors. “She immediately shared them with Ujian and Berani,” staff said. “Hiding under sheets is one of their favorite games.”
Related Story: The Hidden Meaning Behind Princess Diana’s Cannes Gown — A Heartfelt Farewell to Grace Kelly
Life Lessons from the “Man of the Forest”
“Orangutan” translates to “man of the forest” in Malay — fitting for such thoughtful, tool-using primates. They craft sticks to dig for insects, peel fruit with precision, and communicate with subtle gestures and expressions.
Sadly, these gentle giants face an uncertain future. The World Wildlife Fund lists Sumatran orangutans as critically endangered, with only about 7,500 left in the wild, mostly due to deforestation and palm oil farming.
That’s why Pairi Daiza supports forest restoration projects in Borneo and Sumatra — to protect the homes of species like Berani’s family.
Watching the tiny orangutan’s tantrum may make us laugh, but it also reminds us of something larger — that across all life, love, care, and forgiveness aren’t just human traits. They’re what bind every living being together.
