The Los Angeles Zoo recently celebrated a heartwarming event with the birth of a Bornean orangutan, the first of its kind at the zoo in nearly 15 years. Born on October 10, the infant’s arrival marks a significant milestone for the zoo’s orangutan conservation efforts. This joyful moment, shared with zoo visitors, has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by this critically endangered species. Los Angeles Zoo shared the exciting news, revealing how the zoo is fostering a new generation of this incredible primate.
The Return of the Orangutan Baby
On October 10, 2025, 43-year-old Kalim, a Bornean orangutan at the Los Angeles Zoo, gave birth to a baby boy. This new arrival is particularly significant as it is the first orangutan born at the zoo in nearly 15 years, making it an exciting and historic moment for both the zoo staff and visitors. Kalim, who is well-known for her nurturing skills, is already an experienced mother, having raised two previous infants. This latest addition to her family is bound to bring even more attention to the zoo’s efforts in preserving endangered species, particularly the Bornean orangutan.
The little one, who has not yet been named, was born to Kalim and 31-year-old Isim, and has already captured the hearts of many.
“We’re thrilled to welcome another new great ape to the Zoo,” said Candace Sclimenti, the zoo’s curator of mammals.
She added that the arrival marks the first orangutan birth at the zoo since Elka, Kalim’s 14-year-old daughter, was born. The interaction between the orangutan group and the infant will provide zoo guests with an opportunity to witness a rare and joyful family dynamic.
“Watching the orangutan group interact with the infant will be truly special, and we’re excited for our guests to experience the joy of watching our growing orangutan family.”
Image credit: Los Angeles Zoo
Behind the Scenes of a Historic Birth
While Kalim and her newborn have spent their first month behind the scenes at the zoo, they recently made their public debut at the Red Ape Rain Forest exhibit. Photos shared by the zoo show Kalim lovingly cuddling her baby, while the infant curiously explores his new world. This debut offers visitors a unique chance to witness the bonding process between mother and child. According to the zoo, Kalim’s behavior as a mother is exceptional, thanks to her years of experience in raising young orangutans.
Megan Fox, a senior animal keeper at the zoo, shared her insights into Kalim’s role as a mother.
“Kalim is an excellent mother with years of wisdom and lessons to teach her new little one,” Fox said. “Elka has grown to be a wonderful young orangutan because of the excellent job Kalim has done rearing and raising her over the last 14 years.”
The knowledge and skills Kalim imparts to her young are crucial for their survival, as orangutans have the longest interbirth interval of any non-human primates, spending up to eight years nurturing their offspring.
The Conservation Efforts Behind the Celebration
The birth of this Bornean orangutan is not just a zoo event; it’s a critical moment for wildlife conservation. Bornean orangutans are currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), primarily due to deforestation, habitat loss, and poaching. The zoo’s efforts in breeding and caring for these remarkable primates play a vital role in preserving the species.
Los Angeles Zoo has been instrumental in supporting the Bornean orangutan population through its breeding program, with Kalim’s successful birth offering hope for the future. These efforts are particularly significant in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. The zoo hopes that by sharing these intimate moments with the public, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for orangutans and the importance of conservation work.
What’s Next for the Orangutan Family?
The excitement surrounding the birth of this new orangutan has already sparked conversations about the naming of the baby. Although the baby’s name has not been decided yet, the zoo has hinted at the possibility of a public naming contest, further involving the community in the zoo’s conservation efforts.
“We haven’t decided yet if we’re going to do a contest or naming opportunity,” a spokesperson for the zoo told the Los Angeles Times.
As the zoo continues to observe and document the interactions between Kalim, her new baby, and the rest of the orangutan family, it’s clear that this birth is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Los Angeles Zoo. Visitors will soon be able to see these unique behaviors and interactions that have not been witnessed in the zoo for over a decade. “Guests will now have an opportunity to see unique behaviors and interactions that haven’t been at Red Ape Rain Forest in a very long time,” said Fox. This is indeed a fantastic moment for the zoo’s team and its visitors alike.