Orangutan Born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

For the first time in 25 years, primate staff at the Smithsonian's National Zoo are celebrating the birth of a male Bornean orangutan. He was born at 8:52 p.m. on Monday night.



"Each and every birth of a critically endangered species is significant, but it is all the more exciting and this is a historic moment for our Smithsonian's National Zoo," said Meredith Bastian, curator of primates and member of the Orangutan SSP Steering Committee.

"I am very proud of Batang and my team. Ever since we received the breeding recommendation, they have dedicated themselves to preparing Batang for motherhood. I look forward to watching the infant experience everything for the first time--especially meeting the other orangutans and going outside for the first time with Batang."

