Mia, Chelsea and Baby Bob
Bornean Orangutans
Pongo Pygmaeus -
Endangered
The newest addition is Bob, born January 23, 2006. His parents are Mia and Chelsea.
Weighing a little over three pounds at birth, he has a potential lifespan of over
40 years. For some time his development will somewhat parallel that of a human baby.
Female orangutans usually don’t give birth until they are around the age of 14 or
15 years old. They have a single baby weighing about 3 ½ pounds. Twins are very
rarely born. They nurse the baby for 3 to 4 years and carry it on their back for
the same amount of time.
At age 6 or 7 years, an orangutan may be ready to look after itself, but will stay
with mother until about twelve years old. They only leave when the time has come
to begin establishing their own territory.
A female only gives birth every six to eight years. Due to the great length of time
between births, she will only raise 2 or 3 offspring in her lifetime.
The Latest on Bob
Baby Bob is becoming an active youngster and beginning to explore his surroundings.
He often amuses himself by swinging on the large rope in the exhibit or tumbling
down the grassy slopes. He is particularly interested in learning about the things
Mom and Dad eat, usually by trying to sneak a taste. Mother Chelsea now leaves Bob
for short periods time so that he can play on his own. That sometimes means finding
his father sleeping and using him as a climbing toy.
Because of the baby, the orang family is not out below 60 degrees or when it is
overcast, rainy, or windy.