Earlier this month, the zoo opened its arms to a new, hairy bundle of joy, a baby orangutan girl born to mother Jahe. As orangutans are perched precariously on the edge of extinction, with a status of Critically Endangered, this newborn gives not just the zoo but also conservationists a reason to breathe a sigh of relief and a little hope for the species, according to the Memphis Zoo.
A wee bit unique, the delivery was a cesarean, not your standard affair for orangutans. A team comprised of the Zoo’s veterinarians and an authentic slice of the human medical field, including an OB-GYN and neonatal nurse, stormed the delivery room to ensure this orange tot's entry into the world was as smooth as could be. According to a statement obtained by Local Memphis, the little one has been christened Ruhana, or Ru in affectionate shorthand, a name with roots in Sanskrit signifying the soul or essence of life, nodding respectfully at Ruhana Kuddus, an Indonesian journalistic trailblazer.
The zoo's bundle of joy and her mother entered a period of intense care post-delivery, delivered by a team poised to tackle any hiccup in their progression. As Jahe recovered from the procedure, mother and daughter enjoyed a little motherhood leave behind the scenes, with the Zoo’s Animal Care and Veterinary teams providing necessary backup care to ensure the infant's solid footing in the early stages of life. The temporary aid has since swaddled up, marking the success of this critical initial phase, as reported by WREG.
Do not expect to catch a glimpse of Ru and her mother just yet in their exhibit; they will remain secluded from the public eye until they're ready for the spotlight. The critically endangered status of Ru's kin means each birth is less of a zoo-happy-news bulletin and more a significant stepping stone for the conservation of a species that is, quite literally, clinging to the last vines of its survival.
