Implications of Managing a Mother-Reared Orangutan Indoors During Early Infancy

Citation

Kendrick E, Maslanka M. 2017. Implications of Managing a Mother-Reared Orangutan Indoors During Early Infancy. In Ward A, Coslik A, Brooks M Eds. Proceedings of the Twelfth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition Foundation and AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Frisco, TX.

Abstract

In September, healthy male orangutan was born and raised by the dam at the National Zoological Park. However, due to enclosure limitations and timing of the year, the pair would have no access to the outdoor enclosure until May. Knowing that milk was not likely to contain biologically significant levels of vitamin D, and access to UV lighting was not practical, we were faced with the potential of rickets developing in the infant without supplementation.  This discussion will revolve around the science behind practical vitamin D provision to a neonate primate in a northern temperate climate.

[Kendrick2] NAG-2017-Orang-abstract.pdf     18 KB