A baby orangutan has been rescued by a monkey sanctuary in Dorset after its mother was unable to feed it. Sibu Junior, who was born on July 31 at Dublin Zoo in Ireland, was taken in by Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset when efforts to encourage his mother to feed him proved unsuccessful.
Despite the mother showing love for Sibu, she did not possess the necessary skills to feed him, prompting the decision to hand-rear the 12-week-old male orangutan. The team at Dublin Zoo provided round-the-clock care for Sibu before transferring him to Monkey World.
Dr. Alison Cronin, the director of Monkey World, expressed regret that Sibu’s mother could not feed him, but praised Dublin Zoo’s efforts in saving the baby orangutan’s life. At present, Sibu is being cared for by the European specialist orangutan creche at Monkey World, where he will stay for the next 10 years before joining an adult group of orangutans.
Monkey World has a history of caring for orphaned orangutans from various countries, with foster mother Oshine currently looking after four other young orangutans. The sanctuary aims to break the cycle of abandonment and help female orangutans rear their young successfully in the future.
Insights: This heartwarming rescue story highlights the dedicated work of animal sanctuaries in providing care and support for vulnerable wildlife. It also sheds light on the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species such as orangutans, whose populations are threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting. By rearing orphaned orangutans and facilitating their integration into social groups, sanctuaries like Monkey World play a crucial role in safeguarding the future of these majestic animals.