Bornean Orangutan Born At Zoo Atlanta
Thursday, April 1, 2010
North America’s foremost zoological collection of orangutans has made room for a brand-new redhead. Miri, an 18-year-old Bornean orangutan, gave birth to an infant on March 30, 2010. The Animal Management and Veterinary Teams continue to observe mother and newborn closely to monitor the infant’s condition. Although Miri is an experienced mother, it is not yet clear that the infant is thriving.
The new arrival is only the second Bornean orangutan born at Zoo Atlanta. Six-year-old Satu, born to Miri and her mate Sulango in November 2003, remains with his mother and new sibling. The bond between infants and their mothers is particularly strong in orangutans, which are second only to humans in their length of dependent childhood.
“Zoo Atlanta is delighted and very excited about the birth of Miri’s baby,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Senior Vice President of Collections, Education and Conservation. “Every animal birth is important; however, a baby orangutan is significant, particularly as the newest representative of an endangered species.”
Zoo Atlanta houses the nation’s largest zoological collection of orangutans, now with 11 individuals living in separate family groups. Lori Perkins, Director of Animal Programs, chairs the Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Native to the island of Borneo in Indonesia, Bornean orangutans are endangered because of habitat conversion to palm oil plantations, over-harvesting of timber and human encroachment. Bornean orangutans are more numerous than their critically endangered Sumatran counterparts, also represented at Zoo Atlanta, but experts predict that both could be extinct in 10 years without targeted conservation efforts.
Stay tuned to zooatlanta.org for updates on when Members and guests will be able to see Miri and her new infant.
