A Sumatran orangutan was born at Orientarium ZOO Łódź – a success in species conservation

Those heading to the May long weekend near Łódź have a rare chance to see a tiny orangutan that was born on April 1 at the local Orientarium ZOO Łódź. This is the first birth in Poland of a representative of this critically endangered species, and a remarkable event on a global scale.

Success of the Łódź Orientarium

The baby orangutan is a male, and for his mother Ketawa the birth was her first experience of motherhood. According to the keepers, the young female handled it perfectly and is now carefully caring for her offspring. The father, Budi, is also nearby. The team at Orientarium ZOO Łódź is closely monitoring the relationships within the orangutan family group, ensuring the peace and comfort of the mother and the proper development of the infant.

I am proud of the Orientarium team, because behind this success stand knowledge, patience, and the daily work of people who truly understand what responsible conservation of endangered species means. In the case of Sumatran orangutans, every birth today is of enormous value – says Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of the City of Łódź.

In the last 12 months, only 5 such cases have been recorded in zoos worldwide, with the Łódź zoo being the only one in Europe. Visitors can already see the famous family in the enclosure.

Sumatran orangutan, a critically endangered species

On Sumatra, where Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) originate, various sources estimate that 13–14 thousand adult individuals remain. This population is steadily declining due to ongoing habitat loss – tropical forests in Indonesia are being cleared for housing, agriculture, extractive industries, and road construction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, orangutans are also threatened by fires driven by climate change.

As part of efforts to preserve the species, nature reserves are being established on Sumatra to protect wild populations. Additionally, in Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, a new population is being reintroduced from individuals obtained from captivity, which already numbers more than 200 orangutans.

Zoos are more than just an attraction for visitors

The remarkable birth at the Łódź Orientarium highlights the role of zoos in the conservation of critically endangered species. Contrary to popular belief, zoos are not just animals in cages, but above all important centers for scientific research and repositories of genetic resources. Many institutions worldwide carry out activities that actively support the restoration of wild populations threatened by human activity and climate change – from reintroducing animals into their natural habitats to anti-poaching programs.

This is one of the most important moments in the history of our zoo and a great source of pride for the entire team. The birth of a Sumatran orangutan is proof of the highest standard of animal care, but above all a real contribution to the conservation of a species threatened with extinction. It is a great success, but also a huge responsibility – summarizes the April birth Michał Gołędowski, Director of Animal Breeding and Development at Orientarium ZOO Łódź.

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main photo: Paweł Łacheta

source: based on a press release from the Łódź City Office