CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Metro Richmond Zoo’s baby orangutan Taavi celebrated his third birthday, showing his strength, perseverance and a sweet smile years after the struggles he faced after birth.
According to the Metro Richmond Zoo, baby orangutan Taavi celebrated his third birthday on Saturday, March 2 with a “cake” made of fruits and leaf biscuits, as well as a special ice treat shaped into the number three.
Taavi is an orangutan that is considered an endangered species and native to Borneo and Sumatra. He was born on March 2, 2021 to parents Farley and Zoe.
According to the zoo, Taavi’s mom Zoe “failed to show maternal instincts and would not nurse her baby” when Taavi was born. The zoo said Zoe would hold Taavi in the palm of her hand far away from herself, instead of close to her body to form a bond.
Because of this, zoo staff had to intervene to get Taavi the nutrition he needed. Staff would also place him on a life-size orangutan stuffed animal so he could practice holding on and moving around like he would with his mother.
Taavi continued to receive round-the-clock care from zoo staff at five months old and worked on increasing his strength.
The baby orangutan is now three years old and is looking strong and healthy. According to the zoo, Taavi had a great birthday and enjoyed investigating the enrichment surprises inside his gifted bags.
