Baby orangutan born through highly unusual procedure at Tennessee zoo

A zoo is celebrating an irresistibly cute new arrival – a baby orangutan named Ruhana born through rare caesarean.

The tiny infant was delivered to proud mum Jahe in December, with an expert medical team drafted in to Memphis Zoo to perform the delicate procedure.

C-sections in orangutans are highly unusual, prompting zoo bosses to assemble a crack squad of veterinary specialists, an OB-GYN and even a neonatal nurse.

Heart-melting footage shows the fuzzy newborn being bottle-fed and gently cared for by zoo staff during her early recovery before she was able to reunite with her mother.

Close-up of baby orangutan Ruhana sleeping, wrapped in a light blue blanket. — A baby orangutan named Ruhana was born through a rare caesarean at The Memphis Zoo. Memphis Zoo / SWNS

Memphis Zoo staff tending to newborn baby orangutan Ruhana after a C-section birth. — Memphis Zoo staff with Ruhana. Memphis Zoo / SWNS

Baby orangutan Ruhana being bottle-fed by a person in blue gloves. — The newborn was bottle-fed and cared for by zoo staff before reuniting with her mother. Memphis Zoo / SWNS

Further clips shows little Ruhana nestling contentedly in Jahe’s arms.

The zoo confirmed the happy news in a statement, saying: “In December, orangutan mom Jahe welcomed a baby girl with the support of Memphis Zoo’s Animal Care and Veterinary teams.

“Because caesarean births are uncommon in orangutans, the zoo assembled a specialized care team that included veterinary experts, an OB-GYN, and a neonatal nurse to support Jahe and her baby through delivery and early care.”

Mother orangutan, Jahe, with her baby, Ruhana, at the Memphis Zoo. — Ruhana and her mother, Jahe. Memphis Zoo / SWNS

A zoo staff member in glasses and a mask looks at baby orangutan Ruhana wrapped in an orange blanket, being held by a gloved hand. — “In December, orangutan mom Jahe welcomed a baby girl with the support of Memphis Zoo’s Animal Care and Veterinary teams,” the zoo said. Memphis Zoo / SWNS

Baby orangutan Ruhana sleeping on an orange blanket. — The mother and her newborn will stay out of the public until they are strong enough to explore their exhibit, the zoo’s staff said. Memphis Zoo / SWNS

After the operation, both mother and baby were closely monitored, with keepers stepping in to provide temporary supplemental care while Jahe healed.

“That care period has now successfully transitioned, and the baby has been reunited with Jahe,” the zoo added, noting that the duo will stay out of public view until they are strong enough to explore their exhibit.

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