Dumadi ‘Scoop’ Orangutan

Our new investigative reporter just joined the staff and has decided to live in Grant Park. Zoo Atlanta reports that its newest resident primate Dumadi, an 8-month-old male orangutan, “is adjusting well to his new surroundings.”

Actually, the orphaned infant arrived at the zoo June 20. According to a press release, “On Wednesday, he was introduced to 25-year-old orangutan Madu who is expected to serve as his surrogate mother. The pair spent their first night together last night. At the request of keepers, Madu woke Dumadi this morning to receive his first feeding of the day.”

I just wanted an excuse to publish this picture of the little fella.

As Dumadi adjusts to his new surrogate mother and surroundings, he has also begun to take notice of some of the other orangutans. For the surrogate introduction to be deemed a complete success, animal management staff will await signs of increased contact between Madu and Dumadi. Considering Madu’s past success in serving as a surrogate, staff is optimistic about the success of this introduction. The pair is expected to join its group and be visible to Zoo visitors within the next couple of weeks.