'My best pri-mate': Schoolgirl, 6, who is best friends with an Orangutan forced to say goodbye as he is now too powerful for her

Some childhood playmates turn out to be friends for life. For others, there comes a time when they simply outgrow each other.

For most of their six years on the planet, Emily Bland and Rishi the orangutan have been an unlikely double act – enjoying picnics, games and the occasional rough and tumble.

But now, they are being forced to, well, grow apart, because Rishi’s keepers think he will soon be too big and powerful to play with his human friend.

Firm friends: Six-year-old Emily Bland and Rishi the Orangutan pose for one last picture together at his home in South Carolina

Going ape: Playful Rishi srays water at a giggling Emily as the two of them cool off in his pool

Emily, from St Albans in Hertfordshire has visited her friend in South Carolina several times since they were introduced in 2008

Partners in crime: Emily and Rishi play together as two-year-olds back in 2008

Stick by me: The chums pictured together again aged four in 2010

At 4st 9lb, the orangutan is already able to pick up a fully-grown human, and his weight is expected to double within 18 months.

Back in 2008 when they met, the pair were barely two years old and Emily was much bigger than Rishi.
They were introduced at an animal reserve in the US when Emily’s photographer father, Barry, took his daughter along on an assignment.

You drive me bananas: Emily gives Rishi a hand with his favourite snack

Growing lad: At 4st 9lb, the orangutan is already able to pick up a fully-grown human, and his weight is expected to double within 18 months

Rishi and Emily stunned everyone with their instant rapport, and since then Mr Bland, 42, has taken his daughter on several trips to visit her friend.

This time, the pair were reunited for one last picnic at Rishi’s home in South Carolina and played for hours in the sunshine.
Emily, from St Albans in Hertfordshire, made sure Rishi had his lunchtime banana before they splashed about in a fountain.

Monkey business: Emily giggles as her Orangutan chum larks around with a cup

Catching up: Back in 2008 when they met, the pair were barely two years old and Emily was much bigger than Rishi

Fond farewell: The pair were reunited for one last picnic at Rishi's home in South Carolina and played for hours in the sunshine

Cheers: Emily, from St Albans in Hertfordshire, made sure Rishi had something to drink before they splashed about in a fountain

The pair were introduced at an animal reserve in the US when Emily's photographer father, Barry, took his daughter along on an assignment

Mr Bland said: ‘The first time they met, they just sat and played together – it was really cute. She’s been really excited about seeing him again.’
Dr Bhagavan Antle of Myrtle Beach Safari, where Rishi lives, said: ‘It’s the modern day story of the Jungle Book. But orangutans grow up very rapidly, and Emily isn’t growing up as quick. Rishi is already very strong.

‘He’s not aggressive at all, but it may be too much to expose them to each other in a year’s time.’ However, Rishi’s carers say he is already a whizz at the computer – so Emily hopes to keep in touch via webcam.

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