02-07-2025
Orangutan doesn't show interest in baby, but zoo staff with furry vests has plan
A newborn orangutan is receiving around-the-clock care at a Utah zoo after her mother didn't show much interest in her, officials said.
'There's a new face in the Great Apes Building,' the Hogle Zoo said in a June 30 post on Instagram, announcing that the baby was born June 21 'weighing just over three pounds.'
Because second-time mama orangutan Kawan had previously declined to care for her first infant at a zoo in Wisconsin, the staff prepared for that possibility again this time around, officials said in the post and in a news release earlier in June.
'After the birth, Kawan showed encouraging signs, gently interacting with her baby,' officials said in the post and in a news release. 'However, the team did not observe successful nursing, which is essential within 24 hours. We provided positive reinforcement to encourage Kawan to nurse and remained hopeful.'
The team sought guidance from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and the Orangutan Species Survival Plan and discussed the baby's best interest, ultimately deciding 'to hand-rear the infant,' and provide her with around-the-clock care, officials said.
'Kawan's motherhood journey has been complex, and we're proud of the effort she made and the maternal interest she showed,' officials said.
Now the team is taking measures to care for the infant in the best and most natural way possible.
'To replicate how orangutans cling to their mothers, caregivers provide 24/7 support using specialized vests that mimic orangutan fur, encouraging her to hang on naturally,' officials said.
'She has faced some challenges in consistently eating and gaining weight, so our focus is on stabilizing the infant. We are monitoring her weight gain and using a variety of bottles, formulas, and medicines to provide her with the nutrition she needs.'
Video shows the baby clinging to the vest as she looks around with wide eyes.
The team hopes to place the baby orangutan with a foster mother at the zoo.
'We've been working with Acara, who fostered her brother Tuah in 2014, to reinforce her maternal behaviors,' officials said. 'Acara has been introduced to the infant and has responded with gentle interest.'
Someone hoped the plan would work in the comments.
'I loved watching Acara become Tuah's momma, I hope she does just as well here,' they said.
'We are working around the clock to give this baby the very best chance,' officials said. 'The infant will stay behind the scenes for several months and will not be viewable to the public.'
The Hogle Zoo is in Salt Lake City.
