PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Zoo on Wednesday officially introduced a newborn Sumatran orangutan to the public. Jambi’s birth at the Zoo on June 26 is seen as a big win for species survival efforts.
In her outdoor enclosure, Jambi’s mother, Tua, cradled her baby in one arm while she enjoyed an ice cake. Visitors eager to get a glimpse of the newborn were delighted.
"We're human, you know. And it's fascinating to see, you know, other animals caring for their young. And it's really beautiful," said Kristen La Greceo of Harleysville, who was there with her baby, Ivy. La Greceo marveled at the similarities between humans and orangutans.
“She has not put the baby down since it was born,” said Rachel Metz, vice president of animal wellbeing and conservation.
The Zoo is keeping Tua and the baby separate from Sugi, Jambi’s father, for now. Officials say Sugi may be introduced to his baby this week.
“But that will solely be up to Tua. When she feels comfortable introducing the baby she will,” Metz said.
Metz says the Sumatran orangutan is critically endangered, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
“There are very few of them left in the wild. They are relegated to a really small part of Sumatra, which is an island in Indonesia. And the primary threats are habitat loss due to deforestation … to build farms for palm oil.”
Palm oil is commonly found in a lot of products, such as crackers, cookies, fruit bars, shampoo and lipstick. Metz says the public can help orangutans survive in the wild by choosing products from companies that use sustainable palm tree plantations.