Orangutan Gives Birth, Surprises Caretakers as She Approaches Them with the Baby

Dana, the Orangutan

Dana, a Sumatran orangutan, was at the center of a critical conservation effort. As a member of one of the most endangered species in the world, her existence represented much more than just her own survival. The fate of her entire species hung in the balance, as the globally declining number of orangutans painted a bleak picture for their future.

Living in the Jersey Zoo in England, Dana was unaware of the immense ecological and biological significance of her life, symbolizing the struggle of orangutans against increasing threats of habitat loss and human interventions.

The Beauty of Jersey Zoo

In the safe environment of Jersey Zoo, Dana was protected from the immediate dangers faced by her wild counterparts. This zoo in England provided her and several other orangutans with a refuge.

The existence of the zoo and its commitment to conservation were the brainchild of Gerald Durrell, a visionary naturalist who recognized the importance of protecting endangered species. For Dana and her fellow orangutans, the zoo was not just a home but an integral part of a broader effort to preserve their species.

A Soft Spot for Orangutans

Gerald Durrell founded the Jersey Zoo in 1959 with the aim of preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species. Although the zoo housed over a hundred different species, Durrell had a special fondness for orangutans.

His passion for these primates was driven by an understanding of their precarious plight in the wild and the need for coordinated efforts to secure their survival. The zoo became a beacon of hope, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation initiatives.

Is It Too Late?

Sumatran orangutans like Dana once roamed vast areas of Indonesia. However, globalization and its accompanying challenges dramatically altered their fate.

By 2013, the situation had become dire, and many conservationists feared that it might be too late to reverse the decline of this critically endangered species. The threats were diverse, stemming from both environmental changes and human activities.

Facing Extinction

The primary threat to the survival of orangutans is the widespread destruction of their rainforest habitats. Deforestation, driven by logging and the expansion of palm oil plantations, has decimated the natural environments where orangutans live.

Additionally, poaching has further reduced their numbers. With a global orangutan population dwindling to around 7,500 individuals, the situation for these primates became increasingly alarming, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.

Dana's Close Call

Orangutans are among the closest relatives of humans, sharing over 97% of our DNA. This close genetic relationship underscores the importance of their fate.

Dana's own life was marked by a brush with death, illustrating the fragile existence of these intelligent and emotional beings. The peril faced by orangutans like Dana is not just a loss for biodiversity but also a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world.

The Nightmare

Gordon Hunt, the head primate keeper at Jersey Zoo, vividly recalled a particularly alarming incident involving Dana. In 2009, a day that began with excitement and anticipation quickly turned into one of the most challenging experiences of his career.

The incident underscored the complexities and emotional stakes that play a role in conservation, especially for endangered species like orangutans.

A Risky Pregnancy

The entire zoo team was excited about Dana's pregnancy. It had been years since an orangutan baby was born at Jersey Zoo, and Dana's pregnancy represented a glimmer of hope for species conservation.

The expectation of a new birth was a significant occasion that could potentially signal a positive turn in efforts to conserve the orangutan population. However, this hopeful event soon became overshadowed by unforeseen complications.

A Fight for Survival

Tragically, Dana's birth ended in stillbirth, a devastating blow for the zoo staff who had eagerly awaited the arrival of the new baby. The situation worsened as Dana suffered from internal bleeding, a life-threatening complication.

The zoo staff stepped in and made a desperate effort to save her life. This critical moment underscored the fragility of life and the challenges faced by conservation efforts.

Not in the Cards

While the Jersey Zoo team managed to save Dana's life, the experience left her with significant reproductive complications. Her fallopian tubes were damaged, casting doubts on her ability to conceive again.

This setback was a significant blow to conservation efforts, as each potential birth is crucial to the survival of the species. The animal keepers faced the daunting task of finding a way to overcome these reproductive obstacles.

Calling in the Expert

Determined to give Dana another chance at motherhood, the animal keepers reached out to Dr. Neil MacLachlan, a respected obstetrician at Jersey General Hospital. With a career full of diverse experiences, Dr. MacLachlan was faced with a unique request – to perform surgery on an orangutan.

This unusual collaboration between human medicine and animal conservation underscored the innovative and interdisciplinary approaches necessary to address the complex challenges of wildlife conservation.

Almost Identical DNA...

Dr. Neil MacLachlan faced the unique challenge of operating on Dana, an orangutan. He confidently chose to proceed with the surgery, realizing that orangutans' internal anatomy is strikingly similar to that of humans, meaning that the planned surgical procedure would follow the same essential steps as with a human patient.

The goal of the operation was to reverse Dana's infertility, a critical factor in conservation efforts for her species. The success of this operation could have far-reaching implications, not only for Dana but also for the broader effort to conserve the dwindling orangutan population.

Holding Their Breath

The risk of performing surgery on Dana proved to be a rewarding endeavor. In early 2013, Dana successfully mated and showed signs of pregnancy, a clear indication that Dr. MacLachlan's operation was successful. This development was a significant milestone and offered hope for her species.

However, the trauma of Dana's previous pregnancy, which ended in stillbirth, cast a shadow of uncertainty over this new pregnancy. The Jersey Zoo staff could only hope that this time the outcome would be different.

The Long Pregnancy

In the months following Dana's successful mating, the Jersey Zoo staff remained vigilant, monitoring her condition closely. Through careful medical tests and constant observation, they ensured that the pregnancy progressed healthily.

The tension and anxiety were palpable in the team, which understood the significance of this pregnancy not only for Dana but also for the preservation of her species.

Dana Goes into Labor!

The long-awaited moment arrived in the early hours of a November day when the zoo staff received urgent calls – Dana was going into labor. Despite the cold weather, they quickly prepared to witness and support this critical event.

The birth of Dana's baby meant more than just adding a new member to their zoo family; it symbolized a potential turning point in the fight to save the Sumatran orangutans from extinction.

More than a Milestone

This birthing event was not just about the fight against extinction; it was a unique opportunity for the animal keepers to document an orangutan birth, a feat never before achieved. Inspired by the pioneering work of primatologist Jane Goodall, the team planned to discreetly film the entire birthing process.

These recordings would serve not only as valuable educational and scientific resources but also as a testament to the miraculous nature of life and the resilience of conservation efforts.

Her Maternal Instincts

Fortunately, the animal keepers managed to set up the camera just in time, as Dana's birth happened much faster than expected. The birth was a breathtaking and touching moment as the newborn appeared, and Dana carefully tended to her baby.

However, in the midst of this joyful occasion, Dana did something entirely unexpected, capturing the attention of everyone present.

Don't Mess with Mom

Dana's reaction after giving birth was a moment of intense tension for the animal keepers. When she turned towards them, they were unsure of her intentions. Was she feeling threatened or defensive after such a vulnerable experience?

The tension was palpable as Dana approached the glass barrier, seemingly ready to confront the onlookers.

A Miracle Baby

To the relief and joy of the staff, it quickly became clear that Dana showed no aggression but pure joy and pride. She eagerly brought her newborn son to the glass, sharing this significant moment with the animal keepers whom she viewed as friends.

To celebrate this miraculous event, they named the baby KeaJaiban, which means "miracle" in Indonesian, a fitting name for a birth that symbolized so much hope and triumph.

Back from the Brink

KeaJaiban's birth was a significant milestone in the orangutan conservation efforts. While his arrival alone would not suffice to reverse the fate of his species, it represented a crucial step forward.

The dedication and innovative approaches of the animal keepers at Jersey Zoo played a vital role in achieving this moment. Their willingness to take calculated risks and their commitment to conservation embodied the ongoing and challenging journey of wildlife protection.