Critically endangered orangutan born at Chester Zoo
A critically endangered Bornean orangutan has been born at Chester Zoo.
The tiny infant was delivered safely by experienced mum Leia in the early hours of Tuesday 7 October, following an eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy.
Primate experts at the zoo have described the birth as “an important step forward” in efforts to safeguard the species. Both Leia and her baby are said to be doing well.
Bornean orangutans are classed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing severe threats from deforestation, illegal hunting and conflict with people.
Chris Yarwood, Assistant Team Manager of Primates at Chester Zoo, said: “Leia is a wonderful mum. She’s extremely attentive and has spent the first few days holding her baby close, feeding regularly and forming a really strong maternal bond. It’s a huge privilege to witness.
“The baby is still tiny and we haven’t yet been able to determine the sex – but what really matters is that it’s healthy and that Leia is doing a brilliant job, as we knew she would.
“Any birth of a Bornean orangutan is incredibly special given how threatened the species is. It’s an important step forward for the international conservation breeding efforts that are working to prevent this iconic animal from disappearing forever.”
Bornean orangutans are found only on the island of Borneo, where more than 40% of their tropical forest habitat has been lost since 2000. The main threats include unsustainable palm oil production, logging, agricultural expansion and hunting.
Chester Zoo is the only zoo in the UK to care for two of the world’s three orangutan species – the Bornean and Sumatran. Both are critically endangered.
Cat Barton, Policy Lead on Deforestation-free Commodities at Chester Zoo, said: “Chester Zoo has worked with partners in Borneo for more than 20 years to safeguard wild orangutan populations, restore rainforest habitats and tackle the root causes of deforestation.
“Through long-term initiatives like wildlife corridors, community engagement and reducing human-wildlife conflict, we’ve supported efforts that have now helped the area where we work – the Kinabatangan – earn recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a huge milestone for our partners at HUTAN and for global conservation.
“Closer to home, we continue to champion the use of sustainably sourced palm oil, encouraging individuals and businesses to make better choices that protect rainforests and the countless species that depend on them. With palm oil found in so many everyday products – from biscuits to shampoo – choosing certified sustainable options is one of the simplest, most powerful actions people can take to help wildlife, including orangutans like Leia’s baby.”
Chester Zoo’s conservationists have worked with the NGO HUTAN in Borneo for over two decades to study orangutan behaviour and develop practical conservation solutions.
This includes helping to restore a vital wildlife corridor that connects two areas of forest, allowing orangutans to move safely between them.
The zoo has also helped create PalmOil Scan – a free mobile app that lets shoppers check if brands are committed to sustainable palm oil. The app is available globally on the App Store and Google Play.
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