Gulf Breeze Zoo Gives Thanks for
New Baby Orangutan

Gulf Breeze, Fla. (November 23, 2021) - The Gulf Breeze Zoo is pleased to announce the recent birth of a female orangutan named Isadora who will serve as an important ambassador for her species.

“We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving,” said Jamie McMaster, Director of Gulf Breeze Zoo. “Every birth to our zoo is significant, but this particular arrival is especially exciting since orangutans are a critically-endangered species.”

Born on September 11, 2021, to mom, Indah, and dad, Louie, Isadora is now being hand-raised by animal care specialists due to Indah’s lack of maternal instincts toward the baby, causing zoo staff to intervene. “Our animal care staff has been working round-the-clock to ensure she receives the best care possible,” said McMaster. “We’re thrilled to report that she continues to meet all growth and developmental milestones, and now weighs 7 pounds.” The staff’s goal is to introduce Isadora to another orangutan to become her surrogate mother, but for now, she will remain in the care of zoo staff behind-the-scenes and will not be on exhibit.

Orangutans are found only in the diverse rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. A close relative of humans, these great apes are among the most intelligent of primates. They can weigh anywhere from 70 to 180 pounds and can live to be 40 years old. It is estimated there were about 230,000 orangutans in the wild a century ago. Today, they risk extinction. Fewer than 50,000 orangutans survive. Their numbers have rapidly declined due to human activities including hunting and unsustainable, often illegal, logging, mining, and deforestation. Palm oil has been and continues to be a major driver of deforestation. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists Bornean and Sumatran orangutans as critically endangered.

Gulf Breeze Zoo continues to respond to species decline and is focused on preserving animal populations, including orangutans.