A critically endangered female Bornean Orangutan has been born at Busch Gardens. The birth signifies a milestone in Orangutan conservation efforts among accredited zoological facilities, like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, who participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) to ensure the welfare and future prosperity of this newborn and her species.

Successfully delivered by caesarean section on Saturday, April 13, 2024, to the park’s resident Bornean Orangutan, Luna, the newborn weighed in at three pounds and four ounces at the time of birth. The delivery process was led by a team of medical and zoological professionals across multiple organisations to assure that both the mother and her newborn received the highest standard of care.

Luna remains in recovery as she recuperates from surgery under 24-hour care at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s state-of-the-art Orangutan house. Once Luna and her newborn are both stabilised, they will be reunited and monitored closely by the park’s highly skilled animal care team.

Found exclusively on the island of Borneo, the Bornean Orangutan is the third largest ape species, and the largest arboreal, or tree dwelling, ape species. The Bornean Orangutan is listed at critically endangered status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The recent addition to the park’s troop is part of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively manage specific species populations within AZA-accredited facilities such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and to educate guests about their role in environmental stewardship and conservation.