Surprise! El Paso Zoo’s orangutan gives birth to girl earlier than expected

The El Paso Zoo is welcoming the first Sumatran orangutan born at the Zoo.

Ibu and Butch welcomed their first baby – a baby girl – overnight.

The girl, whose name has not been revealed, was expected to be born in late May and its arrival surprised staff. Zoo officials say it does not appear the baby is premature.

See video of her and Ibu by clicking the video above this article and the other video under related content to the left of this article.

Zoo officials say that predicting orangutan births is complicated because predictions are based on physical observations that can be variable.

They added that veterinary staff used sonograms, but there is not enough data yet to make exact predictions.

“I am so proud of our staff for preparing so diligently. The training and preparation seems to have paid off with a successful birth. This is a huge milestone for the El Paso Zoo and for our community. This is a historic conservation achievement for the Zoo, and an important contribution to the conservation of this endangered species,” Zoo Director Steve Marshall said in a statement.

Zoo officials sid Ibu and the baby are doing well and that Ibu is doing a great job for a first-time mom.

Ibu is very attentive and gentle and keepers say she is doing everything right.

She cleaned the baby, is holding her appropriately and the baby appears to be nursing. The baby is also holding on to mom with a tight grip.

Ibu’s keepers have worked with her for two years to prepare her for motherhood.

Ibu is voluntarily presenting the baby to staff when asked, which allowed a keeper to assist Ibu in cutting the umbilical cord.

“We got a great surprise this morning when we came in and found a baby in Ibu’s arms. We want to thank the community for helping us prepare Ibu for this very important step in her life. The donation of plush orangutans helped us with her training and she’s doing an amazing job. We couldn’t have done it without the community’s help and support,” said Griselda Martinez, Collections Supervisor.

“We’re really proud of Ibu for doing this all on her own, but we’re a little ‘upset’ at her for surprising us so early. Most of all, we’re relieved that they are both doing so great,” said Dr. Victoria Milne, Zoo Veterinarian.

Zoo staff has been planning a baby shower for Ibu on Mother’s Day in conjunction with the international M.O.M. (Missing Orangutan Mothers) event. Guests will have the opportunity to support the couple with love at the baby shower, even though the baby has already been born. The baby shower will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10. The baby naming contest will kick off at the event, and a baby registry will soon be available for the community to show their love and support.

According to the birthing plan, the Zoo is allowing Ibu and the baby to bond behind the scenes. The Zoo will assess their progress in a few weeks to determine when mommy and baby may be on exhibit.

Other Babies Born At El Paso Zoo Recently

Baby Suri, a Texas tortoise, hatched at the zoo on April 2.

The Texas tortoise is the only species found in Texas and they love hot, dry climates like we have here in the Chihuahua desert.

A baby Thomson’s gazelle, Mystique, was born at the zoo on March 9 and made her debut in the exhibit in late March. She weighed about 4-and-a-half pounds. Sometimes mamas need help providing for their babies, so zoo keepers would help by feeding Mystique a mixture of wter, goat’s milk and colostrum six times a day.

Three Thomson’s gazelles were born at the zoo on Feb. 8 and Mijo, a greater kudo, was born in January.