TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is welcoming a new member to its family of primates – one who represents the success of orangutan conservation.
While she may not have a name yet, the newborn Bornean Orangutan came into the world on Saturday. Her mother is one of five adult Bornean Orangutans at Busch Gardens. The orangutans are now six of only 104,700 left in the world, making their species critically endangered.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Bornean Orangutan population went down more than 50% over the past 50 years. Within the past two decades, they've lost at least 55% of their habitats. Their environment has particularly been threatened by logging and hunting.
That's what makes this birth so special, leaders at Busch Gardens said.
The infant weighed three pounds and four ounces when she was born.
Busch Gardens is one of many zoological facilities that are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. The group's focus is to "ensure the welfare and future prosperity" of species like the Bornean Orangutan, according to the park.
The newborn's mom, Luna, gave birth by cesarean section with the help of a team of medical and zoological experts from different organizations. Luna will be cared for around the clock as she recovers from the surgery, and once she fully recuperates she will be reunited with her baby girl.