A critically endangered Sumatran orangutan delivered a baby today at Audubon Zoo.
Animal care staff members were a little surprised by the arrival.
A news release while there were early signs of an anticipated birth, they were not expecting a birth until April or May.
"We received the best kind of surprise this morning,” said Audubon Zoo’s Curator of Primates Liz Wilson. “It just goes to show that, despite all of the uncertainty in the world currently, life is carrying on as normal for our orangutans. It’s really uplifting to see.”
Reese Gives Birth to Critically Endangered Sumatran Orangutan Infant at Audubon ZooOur animal staff received the best kind of surprise this morning - the arrival of a critically endangered Sumatran orangutan infant! 🦧 This new arrival is the first offspring for our female orangutan Reese and was the result of successful breeding with Jambi, our male orangutan. Read more here about this exciting birth here: bit.ly/3uIOsVl
Posted by Audubon Zoo on Sunday, February 28, 2021
The Zoo says mother and the infant appear to be doing well, but the next 48 hours are critical as the newborn learns to nurse.
The mother is the Zoo’s 12-year-old orangutan Reese. The father is Jambi, the Zoo’s male orangutan.
Reese is a first-time mother.
Audubon Zoo
“Thus far, Reese is showing very positive signs of her maternal instincts kicking in,” said Audubon’s Senior Veterinarian Bob MacLean. “She is holding the infant close and tending to it well. We are continuing to monitor for signs of nursing and lactation.”
Audubon Zoo
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