The Newest, Cutest Baby Animals from the World's Zoos & Aquariums

Holding a Baby Orangutan… for 24 Hours a Day

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Baby Orangutan at the Houston Zoo 1

On March 2nd, primate staff at the Houston Zoo were thrilled to discover that mother orangutan Kelly had given birth overnight. Unfortunately Kelly neglected her baby within the first 24 hours so Zoo staff were forced to intervene and care for the infant. Fortunately the baby is doing quite well and the Houston Zoo is optimistic that the one month old ape can be reunited with mom or introduced to a surrogate who will raise the baby as its own. Since infant orangutans cling to their mothers for their first few months of life, zoo staff currently carry the baby for 24 hours a day! Learn more on the Houston Zoo's blog and do not miss the video below.

Baby Orangutan at the Houston Zoo 3b

Baby Orangutan at the Houston Zoo 2

Photo credit © Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo and Video credit © Kara Masharani/Houston Zoo

Baby Orangutan at the Houston Zoo 3c

13 responses to “Holding a Baby Orangutan… for 24 Hours a Day”

  1. Christie Whitcomb Avatar
    Christie Whitcomb

    OK I have found my dream job. Baby orangutan holder/comforter. Sigh. What a sweet sweet little girl!!

    Reply
  2. Ausmonkeygirl Avatar
    Ausmonkeygirl

    Worked with orangs for nearly seven years, always makes me laugh when I think of how the ex-curator used to describe baby orangs… She said they looked very much like surprised coconuts.. Gorgeous and Inquisitive (and very cheeky) little creatures, those baby orangs-and a constant source of entertainment 🙂

    Reply
  3. C Colasurdo Avatar
    C Colasurdo

    How cool!

    Reply
  4. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    What an adorable little face! I love orangs. 🙂

    Reply
  5. orang juga Avatar
    orang juga

    Excellent interview video above !

    Reply
  6. Joel Avatar
    Joel

    I’m stealing the expression “surprised coconuts”, it’s the best description of orangutan babies I’ve ever seen. Welcome to the world, little coconut!

    Reply
  7. Creature Avatar
    Creature

    “surprised coconuts” is a Terry Pratchett quote XD

    Reply
  8. Karbicyclepettrailer Avatar
    Karbicyclepettrailer

    Surprised coconut is perfect! She really is cute, though! I would love the job of carrying her around! I would be smiling all day! I hope she finds a good foster mother!

    Reply
  9. Teiazel Avatar
    Teiazel

    how much do they weigh at birth? as much as a human baby, or less?

    Reply
  10. Hard Plastic Kiddie Pools Avatar
    Hard Plastic Kiddie Pools

    The Houston Zoo is optimistic that the one month old ape can be reunited with mom or introduced to a surrogate who will raise the baby as its own.

    Reply
  11. Gabby Avatar
    Gabby

    I’m shocked the Kelly, a successful mother, rejected this baby. Any idea why?

    Reply
  12. FlorenceE Avatar
    FlorenceE

    Im not at all certain that an experienced Oarangutan Mother would just randomly reject her baby unless her baby was ill and that certainly isnt the case this leaves one to wonder exactly why this baby isnt with its Mother! Lets face it babies are BIG money at zoos and in captivity i seriiously question this bbay being rejected

    Reply
  13. Gerry Avatar
    Gerry

    I am falling in love with these baby orangs they are so cute such big eyes. Would love to be a holding Mom.

    Reply

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