The miracle of birth. It is one of the greatest wonders in life (no pun intended) as it leaves us speechless whether it be animals or humans.
When the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust released footage of Dana the Sumatran orangutan welcoming her baby into the world, it was the first orangutan birth captured on film. But that’s not the only reason why it was so special.
25-year-old Dana had suffered complications during a prior pregnancy. Sadly, she lost her baby.
From then on, Dana was considered infertile due to her fallopian tubes being blocked. However, thanks to the brilliant head obstetrician at Jersey General Hospital, she ended up being able to conceive again. The father was a 28-year-old male orangutan named “Dagu.”
Because of her history, the day Dana gave birth to her baby was a true miracle.
A camera was set up to capture footage of the special event. Dana delivers the baby by herself in the video, although there was a professional team observing from afar.
Viewers get an up-close view of the very moment the baby enters the world.
Dana immediately gets to work as a mother.
After catching the baby orangutan in her hands, the new mama cradles it. She then uses her mouth to clean it up. One observer in the video points out, “She’s starting to remove the amniotic sac.” Fascinating, isn’t it?
While we might be used to having a nurse cleanse our babies after their big arrival – it’s not how it works in nature. Dana is the one in charge of this process! Think of how cats and dogs do the same with their young. Except this is an orangutan.
Soon, the infant starts showing more life by moving and screeching. Dana even helps clear its airways with her lips.
One viewer commented:
“Aww, cries just like a human baby, its beautiful. My heart just melted <3”
There are some other screeching noises in the background as well. Turns out they’re coming from Dagu, the infant’s dad, who’s “reacting to his daughter’s birth.” That’s right – it’s a baby girl!
And as most dads with daughters know… “Oh no”. Kidding!
An incredibly beautiful moment happens after Dana has her first bonding experience with her daughter.
The female orangutan heads over to where the observers are to show them her infant! Like a proud mama, Dana allows the caring humans to take a peek at the newborn up close. In the video, a keeper says:
“This is amazing, she’s come to show us the baby – that is fantastic!”
This was very exciting news for the Durrell Wildlife Park after Dana gave birth. The organization works to protect species from extinction through its many efforts. Since the Sumatran orangutan is a critically endangered species, it was fantastic news!
As for the baby girl’s name? It was decided that she’d be called Keajaiban (Kea for short), which means “miracle.”
View this post on Instagram
It’s a moment that’s been watched more than 4.9 million times. How many mothers can say that about their childbirth videos?
Watch Dana the orangutan welcoming her daughter into the world below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
