Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes critically endangered Bornean Orangutan, celebrating conservation milestone

Monday, April 15, 2024

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay proudly announces the arrival of a critically endangered female Bornean Orangutan, marking a significant achievement in conservation efforts. Born through a cesarean section on Saturday, April 13, 2024, to Luna, the park’s resident Bornean Orangutan, the newborn weighed three pounds and four ounces at birth. The delivery, orchestrated by a collaborative team of medical and zoological experts, ensures both mother and baby receive optimal care.

Currently, Luna is under 24-hour care in the advanced Orangutan house at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, recuperating from the procedure. Once both Luna and her offspring are stable, they will be reunited and closely monitored by the park’s adept animal care team.

The Bornean Orangutan, found solely on Borneo Island, ranks as the third largest ape species and the largest arboreal ape species. Classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this recent addition to the park’s troop underscores Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s commitment to the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP). This collaborative initiative within AZA-accredited facilities like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay aims to manage specific species populations and educate guests on environmental stewardship and conservation.

Guests keen on tracking Luna and her newborn’s journey are encouraged to connect with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on social media.

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