Orangutan Update

Earlier this year, we updated you on the progress of one of the male orangutan infants in our care, Jarang, born in June 2023. In addition to having developmental delays that we continue to closely monitor, he was born with a bilateral scrotal hernia that could be further hampering his mobility.

After consulting with experts from across the UK and beyond, including veterinary staff and specialist paediatricians, we concluded that Jarang would need surgery and this took place over the summer. While little Jarang came through the operation and recovered well under the care of his mother, Jingga, unfortunately it was not successful and he still has the hernia.

Further discussions between our team and professionals from a wide variety of medical disciplines have taken place and it has been agreed that further surgery is necessary to give Jarang the best possible chance of becoming more mobile. Led by a specialist surgeon, this is a pioneering operation that is rarely performed on orangutans. It does still come with risks, but we are hopeful that it will be a success.

During the summer we also named the newest arrival to Orangutan Outlook, Rufus, and he is now six months old. Like his half-brother Jarang, he has proven very popular with visitors and has been delighting everyone with his escapades. He is very inquisitive and cheeky and loves to climb, explore and play with Jarang. His mother, Summer, has been fantastic and it has been wonderful to see the mums and little ones together.

The father to both youngsters is Kawan and he was initially separated by an interactive partition that allowed him to see, smell and touch the babies. He’s always shown a keen and caring interest in both infants and now the whole group is fully integrated.

We’ve also been busy adding two new climbing frames to the indoor area of Orangutan Outlook, which will be great for the babies to hone their skills on. We will keep you updated about Jarang’s surgery. With October half term just around the corner, why not pay them all a visit and say hello!