How to Care for the Baby Orangutan Monkeys at the Santuaries

Orangutan sanctuaries are the only areas left in the world for wild orangutans. This species is endangered because of deforestation and poachers. Most sanctuaries will take in orphaned orangutans and attempt to rehabilitate them back into the wild by pairing them with wild orangutans that will show them the ropes. This is very beneficial and hopefully, the species will be saved by this process along with governments setting aside sanctuaries for orangutans to inhabit. Caring for a baby primate is as difficult as raising a human child because they take as much attention, if not more.

Things You'll Need

  • Diapers
  • Bottles
  • Non-soy formula
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Monkey biscuits
  • Sleeping cage
  • Linens
  • Watering systems
  • Stuffed animals
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Instructions

    • 1

      Diaper your orangutan from the moment you get it. This will keep your floors clean and avoid accidents. Eventually, when the orangutan begins to sleep in the wild with fellow orangutans, it will not need the diaper.

    • 2

      Feed the orangutan a non-soy formula. Some believe that soy causes aggression in adults. In order to take the guess work and harmful possibilities out of the equation, do not feed your orangutan soy products. Wean your orangutan before it is a year old. Primates love the bottle as much as babies, and it is not healthy for them.

    • 3

      Supplement the formula with fresh pieces of cut up fruits and veggies. Bananas, apples, melons, broccoli, and carrots are popular with this species. Allow them to pick it up and eat it.

    • 4

      Give your orangutan baby monkey biscuits as a snack or treat. They should eat as often as a human baby would, at least once in a two- to four-hour time period.

    • 5

      Teach your baby orangutan to sleep with a wild family or in a cage placed in a quiet room. The cage should have a watering system for primates, soft bedding (a folded sheet is fine), and a toy or two. Baby primates love stuffed animals. Place a dark sheet or blanket over the cage to provide darkness while they sleep, even during the day. Baby orangutans don't need naps, but sometimes they like to take them. They will normally sleep 12 hours at night.

    • 6

      Take your orangutan to the vet for regular checkups, keeping a record of height, weight, instructions from your vet, and also anesthesia type and amount.