Every birth story is different. But this one is certainly a first of its kind.
One orangutan mom gave birth on camera and after delivering her newborn into this world, the proud mom brings her near the camera and shows her off. This incredible birth documentary is the first time that an orangutan was caught on camera while delivering her baby. It is undoubtedly an incredible moment to witness.
**Warning: The video includes graphic content.**
The Sumatran orangutan who gave birth is named Dana, 25 years old, and cared for by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. This is not her first pregnancy, and sadly, her first baby was stillborn and she did not have a chance to care for her newborn.
Dana’s health was at risk after her first pregnancy, and people at Durrell has considered the orangutan infertile at this point. Her fallopian tubes were blocked so they did not expect Dana to conceive again, but they were in for a surprise.
The Jersey General Hospital’s head obstetrician helped Dana to conceive. And after some time, the orangutan successfully got pregnant! The father is named Dagu, and he is a 28-year-old male orangutan also cared for in Durrell.
A miraculous birth story
Dana’s previous pregnancy prompted concern among the staff in Durrell. They were anticipating that the orangutan will have some difficulty giving birth to her child, but they are hopeful that everything will end well for both mother and child.
When it was finally time for Dana to give birth, a camera was already set up to capture the incredible moment. In the clip, Dana can be seen delivering her own baby, while a professional team watches from afar.
The next thing that happened awed the team.
Dana was finally able to deliver the baby on her own, caught the baby in her hands, and instantly gets to work on cleaning the little one. It was her first task as a mom and she was doing it with utter care.
She gently cleans her baby using her mouth, making sure the tiny newborn is getting more comfortable.
“She’s starting to remove the amniotic sac,” says one of the observers.
Dana is totally in charge, making sure every bit of her baby is cared for. Shortly after, the baby can be heard as it screeches and moves slowly. The orangutan mom helps her baby breathe by clearing her airways using her mouth. The baby is fine and this is definitely great news!
In the clip, some more screeching noises can be heard but they are not from the baby. As it turns out, the screeching sounds came from Dagu, the child’s father. Someone’s celebrating! The male orangutan is welcoming the baby girl.
After Dana’s first bonding moments with her daughter, she did something quite extraordinary.
She walks up to the camera and proudly shows off her little girl! She’s a happy mama and she’s excited to present her child to the observers.
“This is amazing, she’s come to show us the baby – that is fantastic!” said one of the keepers in the video.
Dana and her little girl, which is named Keajaiban, are now together in the wildlife park. The little orangutan’s name means “miracle”, which is highly fitting for the amazing birth story she and her mom went through.
The video of Dana’s delivery was released by the wildlife park and it has gone viral, earning beyond 4.7 million views online. It definitely is an awesome moment!
Witness the incredible video below and be inspired by this strong mama.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
