Appeal to fund milk for allergic baby orangutan

Sibu Jr came to Monkey World after his mother would not let him suckle

A primate sanctuary has appealed for public funding to help it feed a baby orangutan, which has allergies.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham, collected Sibu Jr when he was just 12 weeks old and on 31 July he celebrated his first birthday.

He was born at Dublin Zoo but had to be moved to Dorset for specialist care, after his mother would not allow him to suckle.

The infant is allergic to the traditional cows milk formula feed and requires a more expensive alternative, which is why the centre is appealing for public support.

Kiwi (left) is Sibu Jr's (right) adopted sister and the pair live together in a creche

In the wild orangutans would suckle until around four years old, which means keepers need to give him milk feeds several times a day.

Director of Monkey World, Dr Alison Cronin, said he currently weighs just over 6kg and is getting through one tin of hypoallergenic milk formula a day and as he matures he will need to consume more.

She added that he does eat fruit and vegetables but the formula is "essential for strong bone growth".

Sibu Jr is Monkeyworld's 13th orphan orangutan to be cared for in their "Orangutan Creche".

He lives full-time in a specially designed playroom with his adoptive sister, 19-month-old Kiwi, who was also rejected by her mother in a zoo in Spain.

The pair can see the older orangutans risk-free from their enclosure, where they can learn vital skills needed for adulthood until they are strong enough to be introduced to the other orphans.