A baby orangutan named Sibu Junior has found a new home at a dedicated monkey sanctuary after his mother couldn’t feed him.
Born on July 31 at Dublin Zoo, Sibu Junior required continuous care from staff. As he became vulnerable, they decided it was best to seek expert support.
He’s now settled at the European creche within Monkey World in Dorset, an ape rescue center specializing in nurturing orphaned or at-risk young primates. The creche is already home to four other young orangutans from zoos in Hungary and Germany, all of whom will eventually join Sibu Junior under the guidance of Oshine, a Bornean orangutan who was rescued from the illegal pet trade in South Africa in 2010.
Dublin Zoo shared, “Though Sibu Junior’s mother clearly loved him, she lacked the experience to position him for feeding, leading to the decision to hand-rear him to ensure his survival.”
Dr. Alison Cronin, director at Monkey World, emphasized, “It’s essential for orangutans to grow up around others of their species. Monkey World is equipped with specialized care and facilities to support these vulnerable infants in their development.”
At 12 weeks old, Sibu Junior now weighs 3kg (6.6 lbs) and needs formula around the clock. Dr. Cronin noted, “He isn’t quite ready to join the other young orangutans, but it won’t be long before he’s able to sit up and explore on his own. Soon, he’ll start spending days in the nursery, where he’ll meet his peers.”
Sibu Junior is expected to stay in the nursery creche for the next decade, growing up alongside other orangutans until he eventually transitions to an adult group of his own.