Meet Artie, the first ever orangutan born through artificial reproductive technology. He was born at the LEO Zoological Conservation Center in Connecticut in 2014 to his mother, Maggie, a 22-year-old orangutan.
Unlike a traditional zoo, LEO is not open to the public. Instead it’s goal is to preserve and increase the genetic diversity within a species under serious threat of extinction. Without a robust gene pool, the future of wild orangutans is in question. That is because orangutan populations are rapidly declining due to deforestation and poaching in their natural habitats.
Despite the efforts of groups such as International Animal Rescue, the gentle animals continue to be slaughtered and killed as result of palm oil plantations, with many experts saying the animals will be extinct in the wild within 25 years.
Upon the birth of Artie, LEO Founder and Director Marcella Leone wrote: “We are proud to contribute to the continued existence of this gentle, intelligent species through the success of our ongoing Wild Cycling Program.”
Watch the sweet video below of Artie with his mom and letting out a big yawn.
Share this video and the news of the efforts scientists are making to help these beautiful animals survive!
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