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LA Zoo Debuts First Orangutan Birth in Nearly 15 Years

Visitors can now see mother Kalim caring for her newborn at Red Ape Rain Forest, underscoring the species’ rare births and conservation needs.

Overview

  • The male Bornean orangutan was born Oct. 10 to 43-year-old Kalim and 31-year-old Isim, the zoo confirmed.
  • This is the first offspring between Kalim and Isim and the third for Kalim, who previously raised her daughter Elka.
  • Kalim and the infant recently made their public debut, with viewing available at the Red Ape Rain Forest exhibit, weather permitting.
  • Orangutans have the longest interbirth interval of any non-human primate, with mothers caring for one infant for about seven to eight years.
  • Bornean orangutans are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, palm-oil expansion, mining and climate pressures.