Auckland Zoo welcomes Bornean orangutan baby
Tuesday, 22 March 2022
Auckland Zoo has announced the birth of a baby Bornean orangutan to second-time parents Melur and Charlie.
On its website, Auckland Zoo says 33-year-old orangutan Melur gave birth at 11.30am on Sunday without any complications, with support from Charlie and the Zoo's primate team. The baby's sex is yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, the zoo says Melur has stepped up to the plate of motherhood with great success.
“So far, Melur is proving to be an exceptionally attentive mum, and her baby has a strong suckling reflex and a healthy grip – both signs he/she is thriving.
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“She's particularly enjoying making huge nests and cuddling up to her baby in the orangutans inside area, ensuring she holds the baby in the correct position for nursing and is being very gentle and nurturing.”
Tuesday was the family’s first chance to venture into their high canopy habitat with the new baby, however the zoo said that was all up to Melur and whether she was comfortable doing so.
They said that meant visitors might not see Melur and her baby immediately.
Auckland Zoo deputy curator of mammals Amy Robbins said the birth was incredible to witness.
“Melur knew exactly what to do and immediately cleaned the baby and positioned it for nursing. This birth has been hugely anticipated by zoo whānau, particularly with the loss of elderly orangutan Wanita recently,” Robbins said.
“It’s been 16 years since the birth of Melur and Charlie's first offspring, male Madju (now a father himself), so it's incredibly special to welcome their second.
“In the coming years, like us, visitors will once again have the rare privilege of experiencing the extraordinary bond between an orangutan mother and her baby and see how Melur nurtures and teaches this young one to ensure he/she thrives as happens in the wild.”
Auckland Zoo has been supporting the conservation of the critically endangered Bornean orangutan species in the wild for more than 20 years.