DENVER — A male orangutan at the Denver Zoo has become “Mr. Mom,” taking on caregiving duties for his 2-year-old daughter after the mother died.
Nias died suddenly in December from a heart attack, KCNC reported. She was 32. Orangutans typically live to their 40s in the wild and their 50s in captivity.
Since then, Berani has taken care of their daughter, Cerah, something rare for orangutans.
“It’s incredible to see. It’s this giant male with this tiny, little baby,” zookeeper Cindy Cossaboon said. “It’s one of those things where you have this terrible storm, and then, you have the rainbow at the end.”
Berani cuddles and sleeps with Cerah at night. He runs to her when she cries.
“He is doing a fantastic job. We couldn’t ask for better care for her,” Cossaboon said.