PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Zoo this week announced the birth of a critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, marking a significant milestone for the species and the zoo. This is the first Sumatran orangutan born at the zoo in 15 years. The infant was born on June 26 to 31-year-old female Tua and 28-year-old male Sugi.
The newborn is thriving under the attentive care of its mother, Tua, who has been diligently nursing and holding the baby since birth. The sex of the infant has not yet been determined, and a name has not been chosen. Currently, Tua and her baby are establishing their own schedule, with access to both their indoor habitat and private bedroom space. Visitors may catch glimpses of the duo as they adjust to their new routine. The zoo plans to host a public debut for the newborn in mid-August and invites everyone to join the celebration. Further details will be provided soon.
This birth is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program, which aims to ensure the survival and genetic diversity of Sumatran orangutans. These orangutans are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with only about 14,000 individuals remaining on the island of Sumatra. The primary threats to their survival include deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
Rachel Metz, Vice President of Animal Well-Being and Conservation, expressed the importance of this event: “It is a joy to be able to share this wonderful news with the greater Philadelphia region and the world. This critically endangered species is rapidly losing habitat due to deforestation from increased demand for logging, palm oil, and other natural resources. Working with the AZA to maintain a genetically healthy population in human care is vital to the survival of this species.”
Michael Stern, Andrew J. Baker Curator of Primates and Small Mammals, also conveyed excitement: “Our entire Zoo Community and those that work closest with our orangutans are thrilled to watch Tua become a mother again and watch this baby grow. It is an honor to care for and work with these animals, and we all feel the magnitude this birth has in the protection of this species.”
Dr. Donna Ialeggio, Director of Animal Health, highlighted the efforts behind this success: “This successful outcome is a testament to the animal care, nutrition, and veterinary teams that have worked with Tua to greatly improve her health over the last eight years.”
Tua has given birth before; in 2009, she successfully raised her daughter Batu, who now resides at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, where she is expecting her first baby this September. The Philadelphia Zoo has a long history of success with orangutan births, being the first to breed them in 1928 and having had 19 successful births since.
Orangutan babies are born after an eight-month gestation period and are completely dependent on their mothers. They cling to their mother’s fur and nurse for up to six years, though they can start eating solid foods at four months old. Offspring stay with their mothers until reaching adolescence at seven to ten years old. While fathers typically do not play a role in raising the young in the wild, in zoos, many enjoy living together with their mate. After allowing time for bonding, Tua, the baby, and Sugi will have the option to be together.
The Philadelphia Zoo invites the public to share in this joyous occasion and looks forward to celebrating the arrival of this precious new life.
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