For orangutans, birth is a solitary event. Because females produce so few infants over their lifetimes, witnessing an orangutan birth is a rare event. Orangutans have a similar gestation period to humans, with pregnancy lasting around eight and half months. In the days leading up to her birth, she will reduce activity and increase her water intake. Her final preparation is the construction of a strong and sturdy nest.
Her nest is complex; strong enough to hold her increased weight and secure enough to prevent the newborn from slipping out. First, she selects thick branches to create the foundation of the nest, weaving them to create a bowl-shaped cradle. She layers thinner branches for a mattress and lines it with soft leaves. She moves into a squatting position and twists and turns in the nest as she gives birth.
The mother makes very few sounds; perhaps a whimper, a shudder, or quiet grunts. The whole birth lasts a few hours. The baby will be born head-first, oriented towards the mother’s back. To prevent the newborn from falling, the mother reaches down to catch the infant as it emerges, pulling it to her chest. Immediately after birth, she cleans her baby and begins nursing.
The infant’s grip is strong, and before long, it can hold its own body weight and grasp onto her side or stomach. Its large eyes are open and, like humans, the baby is toothless. The infant is completely dependent on their mother, relying on her for food and transportation. This is how it will remain for the next few years. Orangutans have the longest childhood development period of all mammals.
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