Prague Zoo Sees Orangutan Birth. Pavilion to Stay Open to the Public
Shortly after noon yesterday a Sumatran orangutan was born at Prague Zoo. It is the first baby for the 11-year-old Diri, who was also born at Prague Zoo. The father is Pagy, a 22-year-old male. Initial observations indicate that the baby is full of life and the keepers have already seen it drinking mother’s milk. The Indonesian Jungle will remain open - so visitors will be able to see the rare addition for themselves.
The female Sumatran orangutan Diri with her newborn baby. The baby’s sex is unknown, but it is already drinking mother’s milk and, according to initial observations, is vital. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo
Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo’s Director, said: "The little orangutan was born exactly four months after of our female gorilla Mobi. What’s more it’s just three weeks since the birth of another gorilla baby. It is unbelievable that I can now announce the birth of a third critically endangered great ape at Prague Zoo this year. It is also highly symbolic that this is happening just one week before we welcome Jane Goodall here."
Prague Zoo has been breeding orangutans almost continuously since 1961. Previously, the last baby to be born here was the male Pustakawan, nicknamed Kawi, who will be four this November. He lives in the exhibit with his mother Mawar, and they will be present in the outdoor enclosure today and over the weekend. Diri, Pagy and their newborn live on a neighbouring island on the top floor of the Indonesian Jungle. It is currently possible to observe the threesome there and that will be the case for the next few days - the newborn will stay inside the pavilion for now.
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