Philadelphia Zoo Welcomes Baby Sumatran Orangutan and the First Video Is Melting Hearts
The Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby Sumatran Orangutan and they shared a first look video, which is so cute.
On July 11, 2024, the Philadelphia Zoo joyfully announced the birth of a new Orangutan and gave fans a sweet first-look video. Take a look!
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In the video we see mom and baby cuddle and the magic way the little baby looks up at their mom is so precious and you can feel the love and strong bond between these two.
"AMAZING NEWS TO SHARE!" the zoo writes in the caption, with all caps, because it deserves the excitement. "We are over-the-moon to introduce you to our newest bundle of joy: a three-week-old baby Orangutan!"
The parents of "this little redhead" are mom Tua and dad Sugi, and the baby was born on June 26, 2024.
"We're happy to report the baby continues to look healthy and strong, and Tua continues to be an excellent mother, nursing and holding her little one at all times," the zoo shared. "We haven't determined if it's a boy or a girl or chosen a name just yet."
The zoo plans to keep mom and baby separate from guest viewing until August to allow them time to allow them time to bond but they don't want to set a hard date.
"They have access to their indoor habitat where visitors may get a glimpse of them, but they also have access to their bedroom space to spend time alone. The Zoo is planning to have their big public debut sometime in mid-August— stay tuned for details!"
In the comments, people shared their excitement and congratulations.
"Congratulations, Tua and Sugi, you have a beautiful, healthy baby. Many Blessings, Tua, Sugi, and Baby," one person wrote.
"I just love that baby yawn that we get from so many babies of so many species, mama is very good," another shared.
"Congratulations!!!! Welcome to the world, their baby is so adorable," wrote another.
"Oh my gosh!! What an incredible surprise ❤️ so excited to watch this little one grow!!" shared someone else.
Sumatran Orangutans Are 'Critically Endangered'
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Sumatran Orangutans are considered "critically endangered" due to continued hunting and habitat loss.
"Due to high levels of habitat conversion and fragmentation and illegal killing," the Sumatran Orangutans are estimated to have "experienced a significant population reduction in recent years."
The IUCN notes that the "key Sumatran Orangutan forest habitat was reduced by 60% of its area between 1985 and 2007." Experts say the reduction "will continue as forests within the species’ range remain under considerable threat."