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Endangered Bornean Orangutan Born at UK Zoo, Boosting Conservation
23 Oct
Summary
- Critically endangered Bornean orangutan born at Chester Zoo
- Newborn clings to attentive mother, Leia, forming strong bond
- Birth part of international effort to repopulate the species
In a significant development for conservation efforts, Chester Zoo in the UK has welcomed the birth of a critically endangered Bornean orangutan. The tiny newborn was delivered on October 7, 2025, after an eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy by its mother, Leia.
The zoo's Primates Assistant Team Manager, Chris Yarwood, has praised Leia as a "wonderful mum," noting her attentiveness and the strong maternal bond she has formed with the baby in the first few days. While the sex of the newborn has not yet been determined, Yarwood emphasizes that the health and well-being of the infant are the top priorities.
This birth is a crucial part of the international conservation breeding program aimed at preventing the Bornean orangutan from disappearing forever. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Northwest Bornean orangutan subspecies is the most threatened, with only around 105,000 remaining due to factors like logging, hunting, and agricultural expansion.
Chester Zoo has been working in partnership with Borneo for over 20 years to protect wild orangutan populations, restore rainforest habitats, and address the root causes of deforestation. The zoo's Deforestation-free Commodities Policy Lead, Cat Barton, highlights the importance of initiatives like wildlife corridors, community engagement, and reducing human-wildlife conflict in supporting conservation efforts in the region.
