The monkey sees the monkey does! An orangutan at the Virginia Zoo is finally learning how to breastfeed her new baby — after a breastfed zookeeper shows her exactly how it’s done
- Orangutan Zoe is a longtime resident of the Richmond Metro Zoo in Virginia
- The primate was struggling to control the suckling of her newborn baby
- Whitley Turner, who was breastfeeding her new baby, decided to intervene
The orangutan finally learned how to breastfeed her baby after a breastfed zookeeper showed her how it was done.
Zoe, a longtime resident of the Richmond Metro Zoo in Moseley, Virginia, didn’t learn this skill from her mother after being orphaned at just nine months old.
Her first born had to be hand-reared, and after the birth of her second child in December, the mother-of-two was still struggling to get a handle on the process.
But Zookeeper Whitlee Turner, who was breastfeeding her new baby, decided to step in and put on a live show for Zoe — and less than 24 hours later the orangutans were doing it to themselves.
Orangutan Zoe finally learned how to breastfeed her baby after a breast-feeding zookeeper showed her how it was done
Zookeeper Whitlee Turner, who was breastfeeding her new baby, decided to step in and put on a live show for Zoe
Whitley said she was glad she could help a fellow mom
Wheatley is asked to nurse his son Caleb in front of Zoe’s barn in an attempt to encourage the orangutans to follow suit.
Speaking about the experience, Wheatley said, ‘I just put my breastfeeding bra on, and managed to show[Zoe]it all without shame.
I wanted her to be able to see the whole process because orangutans don’t wear shirts.
I wanted her to be able to see my breasts and see Caleb and be able to see him rooting for him and the latch.
With my bra down, I was too exaggerated when I put it on so Zoe could see the baby go here.
All the time I was talking to her and pointing at her, pointing at the baby, pointing at her breasts.
And when Caleb was closed, I would show it to her, making sure she saw the important part.
The whole time she was watching me curiously. She didn’t breastfeed her baby right away, but she was definitely watching him the whole time.
And less than a day later, Zoe began breastfeeding successfully — much to the delight of her nanny.
Wheatley is asked to breastfeed his son Caleb in front of Zoe’s barn in an effort to encourage the orangutans to follow suit
Less than a day later, Zoe began breastfeeding successfully — much to the delight of her breeder
The zoo said Zoe and her baby, who has not yet been named, are healthy and bonding well
Reflecting on the process, Wheatley added, “I had a really hard time initially as a new mom on my breastfeeding journey.
(I) asked for a lot of guidance and help before we really understood it. I think it was really special to be able to share this with Zoe and help her on her journey.
“Whether it’s an orangutan or a human, I just want to be able to help any new mom.”
The zoo said Zoe and her baby, who has yet to be given a name, are healthy and bonding well.
Orangutans are currently classified as an endangered species.
species have Very low reproductive rate which makes its population highly vulnerable.
Females give birth to one infant at a time about every six to seven years, so it can take a long time to recover from population decline.