Vilas Zoo's baby Bornean orangutan, named Kawan, celebrates his first birthday today.
\We are extremely fortunate to have this rare species in our zoo,"" said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. ""The zoo staff has done a great job, and it is very gratifying to see the public's warm response to Kawan.""
Kawan, who lives under the care of his mother B.B. and father Teriang, was conceived and born under the careful planning of Vilas Zoo staff and the American Zoo & Aquarium Association's Species Survival Program. His birth was an attempt to preserve the genetic diversity of the Bornean orangutan, one of the world's most endangered species.
Native to Southeast Asia, the Bornean orangutan is endangered mostly because of habitat loss. They generally live 30 years in the wild, but can live up to 50 years in captivity.
Zookeepers estimate Kawan's weight is between 16 to 20 pounds.
""Kawan has been in perfect health since the day he was born,"" said Zoo Director Jim Hubing. ""His mother has excellent mothering skills and has taken very good care of him.""
A birthday celebration for Kawan, scheduled between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., will allow visitors to chat with zookeepers, eat special primate snacks and make birthday cards for Kawan.
