The enchantment of new motherhood is undeniable, as countless hours are spent in awe of the tiny, wonderful life you’ve brought into the world. This joy is evident not only in humans but also in the animal kingdom, where tender moments between mothers and their young can be heartwarming to witness.
At the Toronto Zoo, Sekali, a Sumatran orangutan, welcomed a baby in April. A recent video shared by the zoo captures the sweet moments of the little one enjoying some “tummy time” while Sekali lovingly strokes and snuggles her infant.
According to the zoo's updates, “Sekali is doing an amazing job caring for her little one, who is becoming increasingly alert and mobile. Keepers have observed the baby standing while holding onto Mom and sitting up independently, growing stronger each day.”
The cuteness factor is off the charts, especially when Sekali gently lifts her baby’s foot and gives it a “kiss,” a gesture that melts hearts.
The video elicited a wave of affection from viewers on the zoo’s Facebook page. Comments poured in, expressing admiration for Sekali’s nurturing nature and the charm of her baby. One viewer remarked, “It looks like Mom is counting those tiny toes and fingers! She seems like such a loving mother!” Another shared, “It’s clear how much she adores her little one; he looks so happy and content.”
However, not all is well for Sekali and her species. Sumatran orangutans were reclassified from “endangered” to “critically endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in 2017. Their natural habitats are under severe threat due to deforestation, primarily driven by the expansion of palm oil plantations. The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme reports that there are only about 14,000 of these orangutans remaining in the wild.
The ethics of breeding orangutans in captivity spark ongoing debate. Programs like the Orangutan Species Survival Plan focus on preserving genetic diversity and enhancing public education, rather than preparing animals for release back into their natural habitats. Zoos have evolved significantly, creating environments that mimic the wild, which in turn has fostered greater public interest in conservation efforts. Captive orangutans, like Sekali, can play a vital role in raising awareness about the plight of their wild counterparts.
“We are thrilled to welcome this new member to the Toronto Zoo family,” expressed Dolf DeJong, CEO of the zoo. “This orangutan baby represents a crucial contribution to maintaining a genetically healthy population in human care. Meanwhile, we are actively addressing the challenges that Sumatran orangutans face in the wild due to habitat destruction and the palm oil crisis.”
To learn more about orangutan conservation and how you can help, visit the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme or the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.