Endangered Bornean orangutan born in Busch Gardens, Florida

TAMPA, Florida (AP) — An endangered Bornean orangutan baby has been welcomed into the world at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida.

The baby orangutan was born by cesarean section on Saturday, weighing just over three pounds (1.3 kilograms), park officials said. The mother, Luna, is recovering from surgery and will be able to reunite with her baby once she is stable.

These orangutans are found only on the island of Borneo and are listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Busch Gardens is part of the Tampa Bay Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which focuses on managing threatened populations and educating visitors about the animals.

The Bornean orangutan is the largest tree-dwelling ape species and the third-largest species overall. The birth of the newborn marks “a milestone in orangutan conservation efforts,” Busch Gardens said in a news release.

Orangutans typically live between 35 and 40 years in the wild. The newborn monkey does not have a name yet. The theme park bills its zoo as one of the largest in North America, housing thousands of animals.

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