For A Mother: Dublin Zoo Enlists Breastfeeding Moms To Help An Orangutan

In a heartwarming effort, Dublin Zoo undertook a unique experiment to encourage maternal bonding in a 19-year-old orangutan named Mujur. After experiencing the loss of two previous infants, zoo staff were determined to help her successfully care for her third newborn. To do so, they turned to an unexpected source: human moms!

The Challenge: Overcoming Maternal Detachment

Mujur, a critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, had previously struggled with bonding and nurturing her offspring. The tragic deaths of her infants in 2019 and 2022 highlighted the urgency of finding a solution. When the zoo discovered that Mujur was pregnant again, they decided to intervene more directly, recognising that the natural maternal instincts might need a little encouragement.

Human Mothers as Teachers

To address this challenge, the zoo's staff collaborated with Lizzie Reeves, a midwife and lactation specialist at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin. Reeves organised a team of 30 breastfeeding mothers who were willing to participate in this unique experiment. These women, along with their babies, took turns demonstrating the process of breastfeeding to Mujur, hoping that she would learn by observing.

The orangutan house was closed to the public during these sessions, allowing Mujur to focus on the task at hand. Through a glass partition, Mujur watched the mothers breastfeed their infants. The zoo reported that Mujur showed great interest, often mimicking the actions of the women. This interaction was more than just passive observation; Mujur seemed to be learning actively from the human mothers.

A Personal Connection

Many of the participating mothers embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm, understanding the significance of their role in helping Mujur. Nora Murphy, a first-time mother from Rathfarnham, Dublin, found the experience deeply meaningful. She saw it as a way to connect with another mother on a fundamental level, despite the differences in species. "You are going from being a mother yourself to trying to help a mother-to-be," she explained, as reported by The Guardian.

Supplementing with Technology: Learning from the Species

In addition to the live demonstrations, Mujur was shown videos of other orangutans feeding their babies. This new-age approach aimed to reinforce the lessons from human mothers, providing a well-rounded educational experience. These efforts appeared to pay off when Mujur gave birth to a healthy male on July 31. The zoo reported that Mujur displayed "good maternal care" toward her newborn, indicating that the intervention had a positive effect. However, she struggled with positioning the infant correctly for feeding, a crucial aspect of maternal behaviour.

A Difficult Decision

Despite the progress Mujur made, the zoo faced a tough decision regarding the care of the newborn. Given the infant's genetic importance—his father, Sibu, was a significant figure in the orangutan population before his death in February—the zoo opted to take further action. To ensure the infant's survival and proper development, the decision was made to separate him from Mujur and begin bottle feeding.

The infant will be transferred in the coming weeks to Monkey World, a renowned primate sanctuary in Dorset, England, with extensive experience in raising orangutans. This move, though difficult for the zoo staff who had grown attached to the baby, was deemed necessary for his continued growth and well-being.

The efforts at Dublin Zoo represent a remarkable intersection of human and animal care. By enlisting the help of breastfeeding mothers, the zoo not only provided valuable lessons to Mujur but also highlighted the shared nature of maternal instincts across species. While the outcome was not entirely as hoped, with the infant needing to be separated for his own safety, the experiment demonstrated the potential for creative solutions in animal care. As the baby orangutan embarks on his next journey at Monkey World, the hope remains that these early lessons in motherhood will help Mujur and other orangutans in the future.