A Latest Light at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo: The Birth of Orangutan Cahaya
The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is celebrating a momentous occasion: the birth of a Bornean orangutan, the first of its kind at the zoo. The infant, named Cayaha – meaning ‘light’ in Indonesian – arrived just ten days ago and is already captivating keepers and visitors alike.
A Remarkable Mother and a Unique Display of Instinct
Mother Soga, 13, demonstrated remarkable maternal instincts almost immediately. Just ten days after giving birth, she showcased her ingenuity by mimicking natural forest cover, using a sheet to create a canopy over herself and her baby while suspended in a hammock. This behavior highlights the orangutan’s innate need to recreate a secure, natural environment for her offspring.
Cayaha weighed around a kilogram (2.2 pounds) at birth and will remain with Soga for the next seven to nine years, during which time Soga will not have any further offspring. Zoo handlers are currently unsure which of the two resident males, Ito (aged 20) or Kesato (aged 15), is the father, but suspect Ito is more likely.
The Importance of a European Breeding Program
Soga’s pregnancy and subsequent birth are part of a crucial European zoo breeding program aimed at bolstering the dwindling orangutan population. Female orangutans reach sexual maturity between 10 and 15 years of age. This birth represents a significant contribution to the conservation of this endangered species.
Orangutan Care and Enrichment at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo provides a carefully designed environment for its orangutans, featuring extensive ropes, poles, and netting to simulate their natural forest habitat. Twice daily, a team of four handlers interacts with each orangutan, utilizing sign language to communicate and assess their health. These interactions include encouraging the orangutans to touch their noses or mouths, allowing for subtle health checks and the administration of medication when needed. The team also focuses on providing mental stimulation by creatively hiding food to encourage natural foraging behaviors.
A Supportive Sister and a Calm Introduction
The zoo’s other female orangutan, Sinta, 12, has taken on a nurturing role, assisting Soga with grooming and offering comfort when Cayaha cries. Sinta was even present during the birth, while the male orangutans were temporarily moved to another enclosure due to their initial shock. They will remain separated for a few more days.
The Fragile Future of Orangutans
Orangutans, native to the rainforests of Malaysia and Indonesia, now survive only in parts of Sumatra and Borneo. As Lior Luzon, head of the Zoo’s carnivore department, emphasized, the loss of their forest habitat is the primary threat to their survival. “Without the forest, they simply cannot survive,” he stated.
This birth at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is not the first orangutan birth in Israel, with previous births recorded at the Ramat Gan Safari and potentially at the zoo’s predecessor site in Romema. However, it remains a vital addition to the global effort to preserve this endangered species, with the potential for future reintroduction programs into the wild.
Luzon concluded with a poignant reflection on the orangutans’ gentle nature and the devastating impact of human activity on their environment. “They are such chilled, gentle, sensitive animals,” he said. “And humans are just ruining things for them. If I could say anything to them, it would be to say sorry for what humans are doing to them in nature.”
FAQ: Orangutans at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
- How long will Cayaha stay with his mother? Cayaha will remain with Soga for seven to nine years.
- Are orangutans solitary animals? In the wild, orangutans are often solitary, which is reflected in the zoo’s enclosure design.
- What is the zoo doing to enrich the orangutans’ environment? The zoo provides ropes, poles, netting, and creative feeding strategies to stimulate natural behaviors.
- What is the significance of the European breeding program? The program aims to increase the orangutan population and support potential reintroduction efforts.
