Happy 1st Birthday Sprout

Dudley Zoo staff were today celebrating the first birthday of one of the site's rarest species.

Bornean orangutan, Sprout, marked the day with treats from keepers and cuddles from her mum, Jazz.

Team Leader Upper Primates, Pat Stevens, said: ''Sprout is one year old today and we just can't believe where all that time has gone. She is developing well, is right on target with her milestones, and is having fun exploring, much like a human infant.''


In recent weeks Sprout has become more independent and spends time walking around and playing by herself, but will remain dependent on 20-year-old Jazz, until she is at least six years of age. 

Sprout was the first orangutan born at DZG in 19 years. Mum, Jazz, was born at the site in 1992. Asia's only great ape, the Bornean orangutan is highly endangered and originates from areas of tropical and sub-tropical forest.