Model Behavior

Have you brought your babies to see Ibu’s baby Khaleesi?

Ibu has been observed mimicking human mommy behavior! If you’ve been a new mommy, maybe you’ve looked to your friends and colleagues (and blogs!) for tips and advice. 

Since the day Khaleesi was born, the orangutan keepers have spent many hours making daily observations of Ibu and Khaleesi to contribute orangutan conservation and research worldwide. As scientists, the keepers are documenting crucial information by taking pictures and notating the orangutan’s behavior in their observation logs. 

Keepers are observing Ibu modeling the same parental behavior as human mommies trying to care for their babies! On this day, Ibu intently watched as this mom held her baby close to the side of her body.  Ibu tried to mimic the same pose.

And if you’ve ever wrapped your baby or used a baby carrier, maybe you have felt just like an orangutan mom…your infant holding on to you – hands free!

Ibu and Khaleesi are now on exhibit all day Friday – Monday. Please note they do have access to their indoor living spaces and may not be immediately visible during that time.