Sixth Southern White Rhino Birth at ZooTampa
Baby Sun Bear Born to Parents Rescued From Illegal Trade

Sedgwick County Zoo Celebrates Lovely New Flower

1_41447977_10156602079198058_6875060399608168448_o

A Sumatran Orangutan named Daisy gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 8:14 a.m. on September 7 at Sedgwick County Zoo.

Daisy began labor during the afternoon of September 6. After laboring naturally through the night, she encountered complications and the decision was made to deliver the baby via C-section.

Dr. Laura Whisler and Dr. Janna Chibry of College Hill, OB-GYN have consulted with the Sedgwick County Zoo on all great ape pregnancies since 2013, and they were on hand to perform the delivery of Daisy’s baby on September 7. In keeping with the flower theme, the new baby has been named Lily.

Following Lily’s birth, Daisy was in quite a bit of pain from the delivery, and both mom and baby were at high risk for infection and other complications. Lily required close medical observation and daily injections of antibiotics to treat a systemic bacterial infection. Daisy required time for her incision to heal. A team of three keepers has been taking shifts to care for Lily day and night.

Newborn Orangutans are born with the ability to hold themselves to their mothers by clinging to their fur. In order to help Lily hone this instinct, her three keepers wear handmade shirts with fleece fringe attached to simulate mom Daisy’s long fur.

2_42349692_10156632771258058_1492559461015879680_o

3_42222887_10156632767898058_7755518859813060608_o

4_42211158_10156632770353058_6441542360848400384_oPhoto Credits: Sedgwick County Zoo

Both mom and baby will remain behind the scenes for some time to allow for recovery and bonding. In the meantime, the Zoo will post regular updates on Facebook and Instagram.

This is the third baby for 36-year-old Daisy and the third for 22-year-old dad, Panji. This is also an important birth for the Sumatran Orangutan population. Sumatran Orangutans are classified as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN, largely due to deforestation for palm oil plantations.

(More great pics below the fold!)

5_Drs. Laura Whisler and Janna Chibry  orangutan c-section  9-7-18

6_Drs. Janna Chibry and Laura Whisler closing up after c-section  keeper Devin Turner holding Lily  9-7-18

7_Drs. Laura Whisler and Janna Chibry and Lily  9-7-18

8_Dr. Heather Arens  veterinarian  and Lily - 9-7-18

9_Medical team - Dr. Sandy Wilson  veterinarian  Dr. Janna Chibry  OB-GYN  Dr. Heather Arens  veterinarian  Dr. Laura Whisler  OB-GYN  with Lily  9-19-18

10_Keeper staff  Alicia Thomas  Danielle Decker  Devin Turner with Lily  9-19-18

11_42249006_10156632772368058_298735084473679872_o

12_Lily - 9-17-18

13_Lily bottle  9-17-18

14_Lily  9-17-18

Comments