Orangutan Infant Joins the San Diego Zoo Family

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 19, 2022 10:15 pm

An orangutan infant born on January 4th 2022 is seen in its enclosure at the San Diego Zoo

Photo Credit: San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo have welcomed a Sumatran orangutan infant to their mother Indah. This is her third infant. Her healthy infant was delivered on January 4th 2022.

This is the first Sumatran orangutan to be born at the San Diego Zoo in seven years. Indah was also the mother of that infant.

Keepers chose the name Kaja for the infant after an island in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo which houses rehabilitated orangutans prior to their return to the wild.

“To witness the birth of such a majestic critically endangered animal is a remarkable experience and brings us hope for the future,” said Erika Kohler, interim executive director of the San Diego Zoo. “His birth increases the population by one and that is a necessary step in our ongoing efforts to gain a deeper understanding of orangutans so we can conserve the species where they live.”

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Although Indah delivered a healthy infant she did experience some complications following the birth. Keepers worked with community-based experts for help, including neonatal anesthesiologists and OB-GYN specialists.

“It was extremely rewarding to see the understanding and collaboration put forth by our talented team and community consultants to provide the necessary care for Indah and her infant,” said Meg Sutherland-Smith, director of veterinary services at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We will continue to stay vigilant; and at the same time, remain hopeful.”

The Sumatran orangutan is listed as critically endangered in the wild. Their decline has been driven by illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat loss.

Learn more about Sumatran Orangutans here – Sumatran Orangutan Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the San Diego Zoo on their website – San Diego Zoo