Exciting Orangutan News: Zoo Atlanta and Sacramento Zoo Welcome Nangka!
Summary:
1. The arrival of a 4-month-old male Sumatran orangutan, Nangka, brings joy to Zoo Atlanta and the Sacramento Zoo.
2. Nangka was transferred from the Sacramento Zoo to Atlanta due to the recommendation of the AZA Orangutan Species Survival Plan®.
3. Bonding with Madu, an experienced adoptive mother, is crucial for Nangka’s development.
4. Orangutan infants learn vital skills from their mothers, making the rearing process by fellow orangutans essential.
5. Despite not having biological offspring, Madu has successfully adopted and cared for four orangutan infants.
In the realm of wildlife conservation and animal care, few events elicit as much excitement as the arrival of a new addition to a zoo. This time, both Zoo Atlanta and the Sacramento Zoo are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of Nangka, a 4-month-old male Sumatran orangutan, to Zoo Atlanta. This delightful news brings hope and joy to animal lovers and conservationists’ hearts.
Nangka, whose name translates to “jackfruit” in Indonesian, has been under the exceptional care of the Sacramento Zoo team since his birth on May 1, 2023. Although it is not uncommon for first-time orangutan mothers to display little interest in or provide insufficient care for their offspring, Nangka’s situation required prompt attention. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Orangutan Species Survival Plan® (SSP) diligently recommended Nangka’s transfer to a location with an experienced adoptive mother – and Zoo Atlanta was the perfect choice.
The development and well-being of infant orangutans heavily rely on their upbringing by fellow orangutans, especially their mothers. With a childhood spanning eight to ten years, orangutans have one of the longest childhoods among terrestrial mammals, exceeded only by humans. During this extended period, they acquire essential skills and knowledge from their mothers, shaping their survival instincts and overall growth.
In the wild, young orangutans learn vital abilities such as safe climbing techniques, behaviors to avoid predators, identifying and remembering fruiting trees, and discerning appropriate foods. By observing their mothers’ actions and imitating their behaviors, these young orangutans acquire the necessary knowledge that will enable them to thrive in their natural environment. Therefore, it was crucial to find a suitable adoptive mother for Nangka.
Enter Madu, a remarkable female Sumatran orangutan residing at Zoo Atlanta. Although Madu has not given birth to any biological offspring, she has a commendable track record of adopting infants whose mothers were unwilling or unable to care for them. With her previous experience, Madu has been successfully trained to bring an infant forward for regular bottle feedings from human caregivers, providing all other aspects of maternal care herself. The well-being and fostering of these young orangutans remain her top priority.
To ensure the utmost safety and appropriate interaction, Madu has been trained to bring infants forward for bottle feedings through a mesh barrier, separating her from the care team members. This cautious approach ensures a harmonious bonding environment and minimizes potential hazards for the orangutans and their caregivers.
Now that Nangka has arrived at Zoo Atlanta, he and Madu will have the opportunity to bond behind the scenes before exploring the outdoor orangutan complex. This gradual introduction will allow them to build a nurturing relationship based on trust, ensuring Nangka’s smooth transition into his new home.
As we all eagerly wait for updates on the progress of this heartwarming connection between Nangka and Madu, it is worth acknowledging the invaluable conservation efforts made by organizations like Zoo Atlanta and the Sacramento Zoo. By participating in programs such as the AZA Orangutan Species Survival Plan®, these zoos contribute to preserving endangered species like the Sumatran orangutan.
This news brings a delightful sense of joy and hope and reminds us of the intricate and delicate web of life that binds us all. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of zookeepers, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts across the globe, who work tirelessly to ensure a brighter future for our planet and its magnificent inhabitants.
Let us celebrate this heartwarming milestone in the lives of Nangka, Madu, and the dedicated teams at Zoo Atlanta and the Sacramento Zoo. Stay tuned for further updates on their incredible journey while cherishing the importance of protecting and conserving our precious wildlife. Together, we can make a difference.
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Source Description
Exciting orangutan news! Zoo Atlanta and the Sacramento Zoo are pleased to announce that Nangka, a 4-month-old Sumatran orangutan, arrived safely in Atlanta on Friday, September 8, 2023. He will have an opportunity to meet Madu, a 40-year-old female Sumatran orangutan who has successfully adopted four youngsters over the past more than 20 years.
Nangka, whose name means “jackfruit” in Indonesian, has received round-the-clock care from the team at the Sacramento Zoo since his birth on May 1, 2023. When it became apparent that his biological mother was not likely to provide appropriate maternal interest or care – a situation which is not uncommon for first-time orangutan mothers – the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Orangutan Species Survival Plan® (SSP) recommended that Nangka be transferred to a location with an experienced adoptive mother.
Infant orangutans must be reared by other orangutans, who have a longer childhood than any other terrestrial mammal except humans (eight to 10 years). The opportunity to be reared by a fellow orangutan is essential to developing the young, who learn everything they know from their mothers. In the wild, these skills include knowledge of climbing safety, appropriate predator avoidance behaviors, the ability to identify and remember the locations of fruit trees, and the ability to discern the appropriateness of certain fruits and other foods.
Although she has no biological offspring, Madu is a remarkable individual with an outstanding track record for adopting infants whose mothers were unwilling or unable to care for them. With her four previous adopted infants, Madu was trained to bring an infant forward to receive regular bottle feedings from human caregivers, providing all other aspects of maternal care herself. She e has been trained to bring infants forward for bottle feeding through an indoor mesh barrier; care team members will not share the same space with Madu.
Madu and Nangka will have an opportunity to bond behind the scenes before exploring the outdoor orangutan complex. Stay tuned for updates! (Photo: @sacramentozoo )
