An orangutan by the name of Mujur who lives at Dublin Zoo has historically had a tough time with this thing we call motherhood. With two of her previous babies having passed away from lack of proper parenting and breastfeeding, the Zoo decided to try having breastfeeding women teach this orangutan mother how it’s done. The saying goes “monkey see monkey do,” but will this be enough to save this orangutan baby risking life-threatening malnutrition?
30 Mothers Join the ‘Lactation Learning Process’
Over several months, a group of 30 mothers from Dublin and nearby areas participated in the zoo’s “lactation learning process.” These women breastfed their infants in front of Mujur, hoping she would learn by observing.
But at the end of the day, how true rings the phrase “monkey see monkey do?”
Mujur’s Interest and Initial Success
Mujur, who had previously lost two infants due to a lack of maternal instincts, showed significant interest in the breastfeeding demonstrations.
According to the Dublin Zoo, she even mirrored some of the mothers’ actions, which indicated she was learning and possibly developing maternal qualities – all according to plan.
Mujur Gives Birth to a Healthy Infant
On July 31 2024, Mujur gave birth to a healthy male infant, marking her third delivery and baby in her life. The zoo was hopeful that the lactation learning process had prepared her to care for her baby. Early assessments indicated that Mujur was providing good maternal care, a positive sign for her infant’s survival.
Challenges in Feeding the Newborn
Despite her initial progress, Mujur struggled to position her newborn correctly for nursing. This difficulty posed a significant risk to the infant’s health, leading the zoo to make the tough decision to intervene.
Typically, a baby staying with its mother is the topmost priority. But in this case, ensuring that the baby was properly fed so that it would survive was a even higher priority.
A Tough (But Right) Decision
While the zoo typically avoids interfering in natural processes, the circumstances surrounding Mujur’s newborn were exceptional. With the infant’s father having passed away before the birth, and the infant’s genetic profile being vital, the zoo eventually had to take a tough but right decision.
They opted to separate the baby from Mujur and begin bottle feeding. After all, this baby’s survival is especially important seeing as its whole species is running a high risk of becoming extinct.
Infant to Be Cared for by Dublin Zoo Team
The Dublin Zoo animal care team is now responsible for the newborn’s care. They are providing round-the-clock attention, ensuring the infant is bottle-fed and well looked after. The team is dedicated to the baby’s development and proud to be playing a role in his survival.
Preparing for a New Home at Monkey World
In the coming weeks, Mujur’s infant will be transferred to Monkey World in the United Kingdom. This 65-acre institution specializes in hand-raising orangutans, particularly those rejected by their mothers. Although far away from its mother, the zoo is confident that this new environment will be the best place for the infant to thrive.
A Species That Has Declined 50% Over 60 Years
Bornean orangutans are critically endangered, with only about 104,700 individuals remaining in the wild. Found exclusively on the island of Borneo, their population has declined by more than 50% over the past 60 years, mainly due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.
The Importance of Maternal Care in Orangutans
Orangutan mothers don’t have babies all that frequently, typically giving birth every three to five years, making each infant’s survival crucial for the species’ future.
Developing strong maternal instincts is essential for the survival of newborns, and zoos like Dublin Zoo are exploring innovative ways to support this critical aspect of orangutan care.
Dublin Zoo’s Ongoing Commitment to Conservation
The Dublin Zoo remains committed to the conservation of endangered species like the Bornean orangutan. Through unconventional initiatives like having breastfeeding mothers teach this orangutan mother how it’s done, the zoo continues to play a vital role in supporting the survival of these iconic monkeys that we so desperately need to save from extinction.
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