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TAMPA,
Fla., April 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Busch
Gardens Tampa Bay today announced the birth of a critically
endangered female Bornean Orangutan. The birth signifies a
milestone in Orangutan conservation efforts among accredited
zoological facilities, like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, who
participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species
Survival Plan® (SSP) to ensure the welfare and future prosperity of
this newborn and her species.
Successfully delivered by cesarean section on Saturday, April 13, 2024, to the park's resident
Bornean Orangutan, Luna, the newborn weighed in at three pounds and
four ounces at the time of birth. The delivery process was led by a
team of medical and zoological professionals across multiple
organizations to ensure that both the mother and her newborn
received the highest standard of care.
Luna remains in recovery as she recuperates from surgery under
24-hour care at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's state-of-the-art
Orangutan house. Once Luna and her newborn are both stabilized,
they will be reunited and monitored closely by the park's highly
skilled animal care team.
Found exclusively on the island of Borneo, the Bornean Orangutan is the third
largest ape species, and the largest arboreal, or tree dwelling,
ape species. The Bornean Orangutan is listed as critically
endangered status by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN). The recent addition to the park's troop is part of
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's participation in the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The mission of
the SSP is to cooperatively manage specific species populations
within AZA-accredited facilities such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
and to educate guests about their role in environmental stewardship
and conservation.
Guests interested in following Luna and her newborn's progress
are encouraged to follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on social
media.
About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the
ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating
attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch
Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo
with over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species, and
exciting seasonal 8events all year providing unrivaled experiences
for guests of every age. For more information, visit
BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks &
Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment
company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to
protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
Media Contact: BGTPublic.Relations@BuschGardens.com
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SOURCE Busch Gardens Tampa Bay