NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its endangered Bornean orangutan family.
The orangutan was born on June 29 at 5:45 a.m. It is the second-ever orangutan to be born at the Virginia Zoo.
The endangered species faces rapid habitat destruction and population loss in the wild.
Dara and Solaris are a recommended breeding pair by the Orangutan Species Survival Plan. This newborn is the pair's second offspring. Their firstborn died in 2018 due to a sudden illness.
"Bornean orangutans give birth to a single offspring typically every 7 to 9 years and may only have 4 to 5 babies during their lifetime, making each birth vitally important to the species’ survival," the Virginia Zoo said.
Zoo officials say the birth represents a major conservation success for the Virginia Zoo.
“The Virginia Zoo has been committed to the conservation and education of orangutans for many years, and we are thrilled to reach a new conservation milestone with this birth,” Executive Director of the Zoo, Greg Bockheim, said. “We feel confident this baby will become a fantastic ambassador for its species, inspiring awe and a sense of care in many Zoo visitors, which is our ultimate goal.”
The zoo said the new baby and mom are doing well and are being closely monitored by animal care and veterinary staff.
“Our care team is over the moon with excitement about the new addition to our orangutan family,” says Jill Strother, Assistant Curator of the Virginia Zoo’s Asia section. “All our hard work in preparing Dara for the birth with ultrasound and maternal behavior training has been so rewarding. We can't wait to see this little one flourish!"