Rare bornean orangutan is born at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

Release time：2024-05-21 23:42:59 Source：Culture Compass news portal

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has officially welcomed its newest primate to the animal theme park's family.

The Florida theme park announced the birth of a female orangutan on April 15 via social media and officials posted a video that featured clips of her birth a day later.

The orangutan weighed in at 3.4 pounds to parents Luna and Madju and she was delivered via C-section on April 13. 

'We are thrilled to announce the birth of a critically endangered Bornean orangutan here at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,' park leaders wrote on an Instagram post.

'Luna’s delivery was led by a team of medical and zoological professionals across multiple organizations to assure that both she and her newborn received the highest standard of care.' 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay assured social media users that Luna and her newborn are now in stable condition but they did not announce the new primate's name in their announcements.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced on April 15 that a Bornean orangutan at the park has given birth 

The orangutan weighed in at 3.4 pounds to parents Luna and Madju and she was delivered via C-section on April 13

Luna's pregnancy had been regularly monitored by zookeepers and veterinarians since they found out that she was pregnant

Bornean orangutans are rare animals that usually live in trees.

The primates can be found in tropical island rainforests from lowland swamps and in the Borneo mountains. They are currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The Tampa Bay animal theme park is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan.

The plan focuses on providing care to endangered species to manage their population and educate visitors.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has promoted this plan more than once on Instagram and briefly wrote about it in their post that confirmed Luna's pregnancy last January.

'Every new birth plays a crucial role in securing the future of these magnificent primates, and this is a significant step in conservation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan,' read the description.

'We encourage you all to follow her journey on our social media channels for exclusive updates and exciting behind-the-scenes moments!' 

According to the Seaworld website, orangutan pregnancies lasts around eight-and-a-half months.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay did not announce Luna's pregnancy until earlier this year, which means she likely became pregnant last year.

Bornean orangutans are currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

The veterinarians all began clapping and cheering shortly after the baby orangutan was out 

During her pregnancy, she received 'expert care from the park's dedicated animal care team throughout her pregnancy.'

Zookeepers also monitored her closely throughout the entire process and showed a clip of one of Luna's ultrasounds in their April 16 announcement.

Officials performed an ultrasound on April 13, which led to them deciding that it was time for Luna's baby to be born.

Kayla, a zoological curator said in the birth announcement video that Luna's baby was 'not quite in the right position' for it to be born naturally.

Because Luna was close to that due date, veterinary specialists decided that it was best to perform her C-section later that night. The veterinarians all began clapping and cheering shortly after the baby orangutan was out.

Zookeepers also monitored her closely throughout the entire process and showed a clip of one of Luna's ultrasounds in its April 16 announcement

Kayla, a zoological curator said in the birth announcement video that Luna's baby was 'not quite in the right position' for it to be born naturally

Luna will begin nursing and cleaning her baby right away and the newborn's arms and legs will remain small for now.

Once the baby orangutan begins to climb trees, their muscles will develop and their body parts will increase in size. 

Around two weeks from now, the baby orangutan will likely be able to sit upright and use their hands. Luna will later help her baby eat solid foods a few months after birth.

If Luna and her baby remain healthy in the next couple of years, zookeepers will spot the young orangutan riding on her mother's back.

Daily Mail has reached out to Tampa Bay Busch Gardens for comment. 

Related articles