Brookfield Zoo Orangutan Celebrates Second Birthday

BROOKFIELD, IL — Heidi, an orangutan at Brookfield Zoo celebrated her second birthday on Dec. 20. The zoo said guests who visit her at Tropic World: Asia, may notice that she has become quite adventurous and can be seen exploring the habitat on her own and maneuvering up and down the vines with ease. However, her mom, Sophia, always keeps a close eye on her.

According to the zoo, Heidi's baby teeth are grown in, and she is now eating solid foods, although she will continue to nurse from her mother until she is between 4 and 6 years old. Young orangutans stay with their mothers until about age 8, one of the longest dependencies of any mammal.

Like all the orangutans at Brookfield Zoo, Heidi is also learning to assist in her own health care by participating in training sessions with animal care staff, the zoo said. Some behaviors include presenting various body parts for staff to inspect and opening her mouth.

Photos provided by Chicago Zoological Society.