The Old Man of the Forest

The Spirit of Root and Soil

Meet Aappa and Oru

At Root and Soil, we’d like you to meet two very special members of our tribe: Aappa, the wise orangutan grandparent, and Oru, his curious little one.

Together, they represent everything we believe about real care: slow, present, purposeful.

Aappa doesn’t teach by correcting. He teaches by doing. And Oru, like all little ones, watches. He mimics. He learns. There’s a quiet rhythm in their bond that mirrors the kind of parenting we wish for every family: rooted, intuitive, and unhurried.

Just like you and your baby, they grow stronger together, one moment, one touch, one nest at a time.

Our Mascot. Your Guide. A Symbol of Slow, Wise Care.

We didn’t choose a mascot because it was cute.
We chose the orangutan because it holds a mirror to everything we believe as a brand. Care that is unspoken, deeply rooted, and quietly shaping the world around it.

The orangutan’s way of life reflects our three core pillars:

  • Bonding, in the slow, consistent rhythm between parent and child.

  • Time-Tested Wisdom, in the rituals and instincts passed through generations.

  • Sustainability, in how they balance, restore, and nurture the forest.

It’s not just symbolism. It’s instinct. It's how the orangutan lives, learns, and raises its young that feels so aligned with our own human truth.

It Begins with Bonding

Best bonding of all animals and mammals - A mother orangutan will stay by her baby’s side for up to 9 years. The longest parent-child bond in the wild. She breastfeeds for around 3 years, nurturing not just the body but the connection itself. She teaches by example. She waits. Moves only when it matters.

The name orangutan comes from Orang (person) and Hutan (forest) - Person of the Forest. But they’re more than primates. Orangutans are among the most intelligent beings on Earth. Some can recognize themselves in mirrors — a trait shared by only a few species.

And every single evening, she builds a fresh nest high in the trees. A ritual of protection, of rhythm, of closeness.

That’s the kind of care we believe in. Not louder. Not more complicated.
Just intentional. Just enough. Just right.

In a world that often rushes parenting, the orangutan shows us that the best care is unspoken. It’s in the presence.

At Root and Soil, we build our routines the same way, daily, quietly, and with focus. No clutter. No noise. Just what’s needed. Because that’s where bonding begins: in the calm, consistent rhythm of care.

Time-Tested Wisdom in a Modern World

In the rainforest, the orangutan is known as the Old Man of the Forest.
He’s calm. Watchful. Grounded in wisdom that’s earned, not claimed.

In our brand family, Aappa carries that same quiet wisdom. He’s the keeper of time-tested remedies. The voice that reminds you: You already know how to care. You just need to slow down and listen.

In the forest, their wisdom runs deeper than instinct. They don’t just observe - they respond. 

Wild orangutans have been seen using medicinal plants for healing. Chewing leaves into poultices and pressing them softly against wounds.It’s not taught. It’s not bought. It’s instinctual. A living memory passed through generations.

That’s the quiet strength of inherited wisdom.
That’s the heart of Root and Soil.

Choosing Mindfulness over mindlessness.

Every product we make carries that same belief: Fewer ingredients. Grounded intention, Trusted result.

Sustainability That Protects the Future

A sad truth we can’t ignore: Orangutans are critically endangered. Their homes, the rainforests are shrinking because of unsustainable farming and overproduction. Scientists estimate that, if nothing changes, they could vanish within the next 50 years.

But orangutans aren’t just part of the forest. They sustain it.

As they travel, they eat fruits and disperse seeds. Restoring balance, keeping ecosystems alive. Without them, the forest stops growing. Their survival is tied to the survival of everything around them.

At Root and Soil, we see this symbiotic relationship reflected in our own practices. We believe that sustainability isn't just about using the right ingredients; it's about designing every layer of what we create with respect for the planet.

We choose mindfulness over mindlessness - not in theory, but in every action that restores balance, honours the forest, and protects a future where both orangutans and our children can thrive.

Our coir-based packaging is made from biodegradable coconut husk. Strong, natural, and purposeful. We formulate slowly. We source mindfully. We craft with the Earth in mind. Just like the orangutan builds a fresh nest every evening, we build better systems every day. Where nothing is wasted, and everything matters.

Because when we root our choices in compassion, we’re not just protecting our children.
We’re protecting their future.

He’s Part of Our Tribe, Just Like You

Every time you see the orangutan on our packaging or website, we hope it reminds you:

You’re not alone in this.
You’re parenting with wisdom.
It’s our responsibility to sustain it.

Lastly, sustainability is no longer a choice - it’s a collective responsibility we all have to carry with intention: Because in our forest, every shoot matters.

And parenting, like the orangutan teaches us, isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying close enough to find them together and trusting the process.

Just like Aappa and Oru.