Baby on the way!
Bornean orangutan Kawan expecting a baby in June
Something sweet is swinging our way—Utah’s Hogle Zoo is proud to announce Bornean orangutan Kawan (24) is expecting a baby in June. Animal care and animal health teams closely monitor Kawan as she progresses through her eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy.
Kawan came to Hogle Zoo in 2021 on a breeding recommendation with resident males Mia (35) and Tuah (10). With both males included in the recommendation, either Mia or Tuah could be the father. Once the baby is born, our team will confirm paternity through a blood test.
Considerations for Kawan
This pregnancy is both an incredible and potentially challenging event. This is Kawan’s second pregnancy; she had her first baby at Henry Vilas Zoo in Wisconsin. Despite maternal training with zoo staff to prepare Kawan for motherhood, she did not provide full-time care of the baby after birth.
Because of her history, our team is aware that she may not care for her second baby. While we’re hopeful Kawan will bond with and raise her baby, our animal care and animal health teams are prepared for any outcome.
Animal care in action
Following the birth, Kawan and her baby will be given time and space to rest in a private, behind-the-scenes area. It may be some time before the baby is visible to the public as we focus on supporting the best possible start for mom and baby.
Should Kawan choose not to care for her baby, our teams are ready to step in with expert human care, followed by placing the baby with a foster caretaker among the orangutans.
The team would start by hand-rearing the baby in a space where the foster can see and observe. Using positive reinforcement and established training, the zoo team would then allow the foster to move closer, show interest, and—if they choose—begin interacting with the baby.
This slow, respectful progression gives our team valuable insight into the foster’s comfort and willingness to step into a caregiving role. Every step centers on animal choice and wellbeing, with the orangutans’ best interest always at the forefront.
Acara, the other resident female, successfully served as a foster for her younger brother, Tuah. Because our team knows how to gently explore Acara’s interest in helping care for a baby and her successful care of Tuah, Acara would be our first choice.
In some cases, even male orangutans can serve as nurturing fosters, and our teams will consider every possibility to ensure the baby is well cared for.
Our goal is always to support the best outcome for both mom and baby. We’re ready for whatever path Kawan chooses.
About Bornean orangutans
Bornean orangutan populations have declined by more than 50% in the past 60 years, primarily due to habitat loss and the unsustainable palm oil trade. The palm oil industry is a significant contributor to deforestation in orangutan habitats.
Through our commitment to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), we are excited to contribute to this critically endangered species.
Animal Wellbeing
Protecting animals in the wild starts with the wellbeing of the animals under our care. Providing exceptional care before, during, and after pregnancy is one of the many ways we work to achieve our vision of prioritizing animal wellbeing in everything we do.
Kawan's Pregnancy FAQs
Kawan is due around the middle of June. Orangutans don’t have an exact due date, just a window of time! Our animal care teams determine birth windows based on when they observe successful mating.
We have not been able to confirm gender yet—our team will be able to determine after the baby is born.
Kawan came to Hogle Zoo on a breeding recommendation with both males, Mia and Tuah—either of which could be the dad! Our team will confirm the father once the baby is born through a blood test.
Kawan had one baby at her previous zoo, but despite maternal training, she did not care for the baby after the birth. Because of that history, there’s a possibility she may not care for this baby. While we’re hopeful Kawan will bond with and raise her baby, our team is fully prepared for any outcome.
That includes stepping in with expert human care if needed and placing the baby with a foster caretaker. Acara, the other resident female, has experience as a foster and would be our first choice—she successfully helped raise her younger brother, Tuah. In some cases, even male orangutans can serve as nurturing fosters, and we’ll consider every possibility to ensure the baby is well cared for.
The team would start by hand-rearing the baby in a space where the foster can see and observe. Using positive reinforcement and established training, the zoo team would then allow the foster to move closer, show interest, and—if they choose—begin interacting with the baby.
Acara would be our first choice. She successfully helped care for Tuah in the past, and the strong trust she’s built with her care team makes her an ideal candidate to foster an infant.
In some cases, even male orangutans can serve as nurturing fosters, and our teams will consider every possibility to ensure the baby is well cared for.
It will likely be a while after the birth before the baby will be visible to the public. After the birth, Kawan and the baby will be given time and space in a private area. A lot will depend on how Kawan chooses to interact with the baby—if she chooses not to care for the baby, our teams will begin the hand-rearing and foster process.
Orangutan babies typically stay with their mothers for around eight years—one of the longest parent-offspring relationships among mammals! During that time, they learn essential skills and behaviors that help them develop.
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