Busch Gardens in Tampa Welcomes Critically Endangered Baby Orangutan
It's a girl for Mama Luna at Busch Gardens in Tampa! They announced the birth yesterday of a critically endangered Bornean orangutan born on Saturday, April 13th. The baby weighed just 3.4 pounds and was delivered via c-section since she was breach.
Luna's surgery and delivery was led by a team of medical and zoological professionals who made sure that she and her new baby received the best and highest quality of care. The birth was big news since there are only thousands of these orangutans left in the world. Listen in as Good Morning America discusses the baby's birth and shares adorable videos of the infant.
Busch Gardens also announced the news of the new baby, however Good Morning America had much cuter videos of the adorable little girl! @Busch Gardens Tampa commented on the clip and said simply, "She's perfect!" @Ashley laughed and pointed out, "Not the hospital hat!!" since baby had on the hat all of our babies got at the hospital when they were born, and @Chan added, "Did they put hospital socks on the mama?!" Many other commenters suggested names for the little one. One said, "Name her Estrella which in English is star - Luna in English is moon, so moon and star!"
Related: Video of Mama Orangutan Caring for Her New Baby Is Touching People's Hearts
More About Endangered Orangutans
Because these are critically endangered orangutans, this is a huge win for orangutan conservation efforts. World Wildlife Fund explains that a hundred years ago there were probably more than 230,000 orangutans in total, but sadly, those numbers have declined rapidly and now there are just over 100,000 Bornean orangutans left. This is due to loss of habitat and because they are hunted. This new baby will receive a lot of attention and care to ensure she remains healthy and can grow up to have a baby of her own when she's between 12 and 15 years of age.
Another reason orangutan numbers are so low and facing extinction is because of their slow productive rate; they only give birth every 6-8 years.
While zookeepers are helping Luna care for her little one right now, soon they baby will be given to her. Baby orangutans - called infants - are dependent on mom for years before they wean around age six or seven. Moms in the wild teach their infants what foods to eat and where to find food. Luna won't have to forage for food, but will teach her little girl how to properly open and eat fruits like lychees, mangosteens, and figs.
Busch Gardens also shared more about Luna's c-section and birth and said that she and her baby are receiving 24-hour care. You can check it out here. Congrats to Luna on her new baby! I will be following along and checking up on her and can't wait to hear what they decide to name her!
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