April 6, 2007 - Hadiah, one of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Bornean orangutans, gave birth on Wednesday, April 4 at 2:47 p.m. to a 4.4 pound male orangutan. The birth is an important birth in the world of orangutans as Hadiah is rated by the orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP) as the third most important orangutan in the world, genetically speaking. Her genetics are not represented in other zoos since very few of her relatives are in captivity. Hadiah and 12-year-old father Tujho have been guest favorites since both have grown up at CMZ. Hadiah and Tujho were playmates as youngsters and have now settled in together since the death of Hadiah’s mother, Sabtu. See photos of the new baby orangutan.

With her slight build and feathery limbs, Hadiah’s pregnancy was quite visible to Zoo guests these past months. Her labor was a short two minutes in duration and then her birthing occurred. She had been under a 24 hour watch by volunteers as this is her first birth. Hadiah didn’t immediately take to her baby, being young and skeptical of what had happened. Primate keepers have been caring for the baby and working with the baby and Hadiah since the birth on Wednesday afternoon.

General Curator Tracy Leeds has announced that the male orang baby will be on exhibit for a limited time over the Easter weekend. Visitors will be able to see the new baby in Primate World from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8.

 The baby will be available for photographs and video on Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day in the Primate World building.

Please check-in with the Zoo’s front gate personnel when you arrive at the Zoo.

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