The L.A. Zoo Welcomes Its First Baby Orangutan In Nearly 15 Years — The Species Shares 97% Of Its DNA With Humans

Life in L.A. moves fast, but every now and then something reminds the city to slow down and pay attention to those [wholesome moments](https://secretlosangeles.com/big-bear-eagles-nest-building/) that makes life worth living. And this time, is the L.A. Zoo the perfect habitat of delivering those moments. As stated in a recent press release, the zoo has just welcomed a brand-new Bornean orangutan baby boy, born October 10 to Kalim, 43, and Isim, 31. After quietly bonding behind the scenes, mom and baby have finally made their public debut, instantly becoming the city’s newest stars. But that’s not all, the arrival of this adorable newborn primate, hits a milestone as It’s the first orangutan birth at the L.A. Zoo in nearly 15 years. Staff and volunteers are understandably over the moon. Keepers say the orangutan group is already reacting to the newcomer with the kind of curiosity and tenderness that makes you melt a little. Kalim, who has raised two other offspring, is known for being an exceptional mother, patient, observant, and full of wisdom. Her last daughter, Elka, grew into a confident young orangutan thanks to her. Bornean orangutans take parenting to another level, caring for each infant for seven to eight years. That’s a lot of lessons to pass on including how to navigate the canopy, what to snack on or how to survive in a forest full of surprises. Watching Kalim start the teaching process again is a rare chance to peek into orangutan [family life.](https://secretlosangeles.com/best-things-to-do-with-children-in-la/) These apes are the world’s largest tree-dwellers, spending about 90 percent of their time high above the ground and sharing 97 percent of their DNA with us. They’re tool-users, problem-solvers, and clever enough to improvise umbrellas out of leaves. Sadly, they’re also critically endangered due to habitat loss and climate pressures, another reason this birth feels especially meaningful. Visitors can now see Kalim and her tiny new family member at the Red Ape Rain Forest, weather permitting. It’s one of those simple L.A. joys that lingers long after you’ve left the zoo gates. Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/la-zoo-first-baby-orangutan-15-years/