Photos: Endangered Infant Orangutan Charms Adoring Public At Brookfield Zoo
By Stephen Gossett in News on Jan 3, 2017 9:28PM
A two-week-old female Bornean orangutan was ready to meet her adoring public on Tuesday at the Brookfield Zoo—and are we ever smitten.
The lovable, as-yet-unnamed infant can be seen tied to the hip of her mother, Sophia, 35, in the photos above. Orangutans closely mother their young longer than any other mammal, according to the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo. The extended nurturing period allows for older offspring to learn to care for their future young—a dynamic zoo visitors will be able to witness most mornings in person between Sophia, daughters Kekasih, 8, and Kecil, 3, and the little newcomer.
But the birth is notable from a species protectionist perspective, too. Over the past several decades, orangutans have seen their population decimated in their native Southeast Asia at the hands of deforestation and illegal poaching. The critically endangered animal suffered a 60 percent population drop between 1950 and 2010, according to CZS.
“The birth is significant to the zoo population, but hopefully it will also help raise awareness about the threats facing orangutans in the wild,” said Bill Zeigler, senior vice president of animal programs for the Chicago Zoological Society, in a press release.
Visiting information for the zoo, including online ticket availability, can be found here.