ST. LOUIS — The name of the newest primate of the Saint Louis Zoo pays homage to one of the zoo's partners.
Forest, the three-and-a-half-week-old baby Sumatran orangutan, was named after the zoo's Malaysian conservation partner Hutan, a nonprofit that helps orangutans in the wild. "Hutan" translates to "forest" in the Malay language while "orangutan" means person of the forest, according to the zoo.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Orangutan born at Saint Louis Zoo
To celebrate the release of Forest's name, the zoo's primate care team provided Forest's parents, Rubih and Cinta, with some enriching items in their habitat, including some of their favorite foods like blueberries and grapes.
"Rubih is a natural at baby wearing — Forest clings tightly to Rubih’s chest all the time," the zoo said. "She never sets him down or leaves him, which is exactly what a mother orangutan should be doing. Orangutan infants start clinging to mom and holding tightly to her hair almost immediately after birth, though mom helps support them at times. When Rubih is climbing throughout the habitat, Forest has started looking around at all the sights."
Zoo visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of Forest clinging to Rubih at the zoo's Jungle of the Apes area. However, there is no set schedule. Part of the orangutan's quality care at the zoo is their option for privacy.
Click here to learn more about the zoo's Jungle of the Apes.
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