Sabah Most Wanted

Meet the New Henry Doorly Zoo Baby Orangutan

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium welcomed a Bornean orangutan on November 19. Mom, dad, and baby are all on display in Hubbard Orangutan Valley.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium houses eight orangutans, including its newest one. The infant, who is believed to be a female, was born to first-time mother, Sepilok, and father, Chip (also known as Bandar). Sepilok was born in Hong Kong in 2001 and came to Omaha in 2003. Chip was born in Rochester, NY in 1993 and arrived in Omaha in 1998. Chip is the Zoo’s eldest orangutan, at 21 years-of-age. The youngest is Takai at 8 years old, second only to the infant.Female orangutans reach sexual maturity between ages 10 and 15.

Orangutans only give birth every 6-8 years and gestation is averaged at 245 days. With an average lifespan of only 40 years, orangutans may only give birth to four or five infants in a lifetime, which is why each birth is so important to the population. Sepilok stems from Hong Kong lineage, which will provide the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) with a genetically viable animal for breeding.