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Memphis Zoo Orangutan Jahe Birth Plan 2015/2016

*Adapted from author Meghan Elder, Como Park Zoo “Markisa” also Phoenix Zoo

“Bess” and Philadelphia Zoo “Tua”

Overview

0.1 Orangutan, Jahe is a Sumatran Orangutan housed presently at the Memphis

Zoo. She shares the facility with 1.0 Orangutan Tomback (14772), Orangutan

Chickie (2119). All animals are of no relation to Jahe or each other. Chickie

and Jahe are rotated on exhibit with Tomback Orangutan. Jahe and Chickie do

not get along free contact with each other. Jahe was mother reared at

Toronto zoo in 1997. She was able to help raise her younger brother in her

family group at Toronto zoo.

Jahe is pregnant and estimated to give birth between 1 March 2016 and 30th

March 2016. 14 March 2016 is the 245 day mean based on semen found on the

floor 13 July 2015, labial swelling observed 3rd August 2015 and last observed

menstruation. Jahe has never been pregnant before. She showed positive for

blood most of her 1st trimester on Hemistix. Ultrasound confirmed baby in

October of 2015. Based on a 245 day gestation she is due to give birth on or

about March 14, 2016.

Objectives

- To encourage maternal natural care of the infant

- To establish staff roles and chain of command

- Prevent complications through observation and planning

- To formulate protocols for both anticipated outcomes and plan B

Keeper staff is optimistic Jahe will care for her baby naturally given her family

history at Toronto.

Nikki Strain is Jahe’s Primary trainer. Sandi Shoemaker, Melissa Peterson and Lexi

Yang are full time primate keepers. Scott Lincoln is a relief primate keeper. Jason

Bankston is also trained in the area, but he is not currently working in this section.

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General Species Information (**taken directly from Como Zoo Plan)

“Female orangutans become sexually mature around 7 to 10 years of age, which

is indicated in the individual animals by the beginning of a monthly menstrual

cycle. In the wild, females do not generally give birth until 12 to 15 years old,

although in captivity they may reproduce as young as 7 years old. The duration of

an average menstrual cycle is approximately 23 to 33 days in length, with menses

lasting from 1-4 days.

The most obvious sign of pregnancy is the swelling of the labia majora; this occurs

abruptly over several days around 2 to 4 weeks after conception. The swelling will

remain until after parturition, and may continue to enlarge throughout the

duration of the pregnancy. Though there is some variety in appearance and size

between individuals, this is the most easily observed indicator of pregnancy, and

the best method for confirmation according to the orangutan species survival

plan (SSP). In addition, human test kits that detect the presence of human

chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in urine and ultrasound may also be used to

confirm a suspected pregnancy.

Gestation lasts an average of 8.16 months (245, +/- 12 days), and is frequently

accompanied by both behavioral and physiological changes. Loss of appetite,

lethargy and personality changes are all reported by the SSP Orangutan

Husbandry Manual as having been observed in pregnant orangutans. It is also

noted that: during the later stages of pregnancy, females may appear agitated,

restless, […] avoiding interactions with conspecifics’ (sodaro et al, 2006). Around

one month into gestation, the mammary glands begin to enlarge and the nipples

swell. Some females have been observed to self-nurse. Constipation has also been

observed during the later stages of pregnancy.

Parturition

Reports on the duration of labor vary from 25 minutes to 4 hours, dependent on

the health and reproductive status of the female, as well as the number of

offspring she is carrying (although twinning is rare). The labor process is generally

comprised of three stages. During the first stage, the female shows signs of

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discomfort, her activity level increases, and a clear vaginal discharge may be

observed. The second phase constitutes the actual birthing process; the

frequency of the contractions increases, the female may lie down (dorsally or

ventrally), and the infant is expelled in a head first orientation. The umbilicus is

usually severed bit the female with her teeth. Finally, during stage three, the

placenta is passed. This may occur immediately, or as late as several hours after

parturition. It is not unusual for the female or other members of the orangutan

group to eat the placenta. Minor vaginal bleeding or continued contractions may

be observed for up to several days after the birth (Sodaro et al, 2006).

Mothers generally clean the mucus from the infant’s face immediately following

parturition, usually with either their fingers or by sucking. Sexual behavior may

also be exhibited by the female towards her neonate, such as “dorsal-dorso

mounting, oral- genital inspection and manipulation and insertion of fingers into

ano- genital areas (Sodaro et al, 2006). Infants should begin to nurse within 4 to 6

hours after birth, but in some cases it has been observed to take up to 2 days.

The female should keep the infant clinging to her body at all times, usually either

to her upper back and head or to her side. She may also spend more time resting

than usual during the first few days after parturition and changes in appetite

(either increases or decrease) have been reported (Sodaro et al, 2006).

Infant birth weights vary considerably, ranging from 1420 -2040 grams with an

average of 1720 grams. They have minimal body fat at parturition, so “the rib

cage is prominent and the abdomen may appear sunken” (Sodaro et al, 2006).

Passage through the birth canal may cause the infant’s head to initially appear

slightly misshapen (Sodaro et al, 2006). The first bowel movement is usually

composed of meconium, a thick, dark stool produced in utero. Once the infant

begins nursing, the stool becomes softer and pale yellow.” (Elder 2007)

History of Expectant Female

Jahe (23022) is currently 18 yrs old. She was parent reared at the Toronto Zoo

and transferred to Memphis in 2010 at 12 yrs old. She participated with her

younger brother’s rearing. He was born in 2006 when Jahe was nine years old.

She was able to experience his growth for three years before she came to

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Memphis. The Toronto keepers report Jahe was placed back in with mom and

little brother within a week of his birth. Julie Hanna states from Toronto’s

records, “When the baby was 2 months old Puppe (Jahe's mom) would allow Jahe

to take the baby for short periods and then Jahe would bring him back to Puppe

for feeding. By the time Budi was 2.5 months old, Puppe was giving him to Jahe

to take care of! Sire was introduced at 3 month mark of infant.” Jahe has no prior

reproductive history. Based on family relationship at Toronto Jahe is likely to be a

successful mother. The only known health problem Jahe has is a skin allergy.

Current status of expectant Female

Present Social Group Considerations

Jahe has a very positive relationship with the Sire Tomback (14772). She is

forward with him and will often steal his food. She moves out of the way quickly

if he is upset. We see them positively sharing the same space frequently. Chickie

Orangutan (2119) also shares the facility. Jahe and Chickie do not get along free

contact. They have been separated since Summer 2013. They are rotated with

Tomback outside, and they do have visual and mesh contact at times. All

orangutans have been historically separated at night. Jahe and Tomback began

overnight housing together June 2015 every other night. This is what we believe

led to our pregnancy. All orangutans are currently separated nightly and separate

easily. Currently there are no plans for Jahe and Chickie to ever have free contact

access to each other. Jahe and Tomback have a good relationship.

Present Medical Considerations

Jahe is healthy. She is currently on a prenatal vitamin. She was taken off birth

control in 2010 when she came to Memphis. She was immobilized in 2014. She

allowed voluntary blood draw at this time. We began focusing on abdominal

ultrasound, and we are getting images of the baby weekly. This will allow

veterinary staff to monitor growth of the fetus, heart rate fluctuations (indicator

of fetal distress) and amniotic fluid levels.

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It will be important to carefully observe for any signs that would indicate:

1) The fetus is at risk

2) Jahe is at risk

3) Parturition is imminent

Signs of potential pregnancy complications previously observed in orangutans

Observation Possible Problem

Bloody vaginal discharge (especially large quantities observed late in pregnancy)

Placenta previa Or Placenta abruption

Signs of labor that last more than 6 hours

Dystocia or Placenta abruptio

Thick, creamy, odiferous or discolored vaginal discharge

Uterine Infection

Lethargy or anorexia that lasts more than 6 hours, missing a meal

Pregnancy toxemia

Inappropriate manipulation of self or fetus while in labor*

Dystocia

(Table 1 Wells et al, 1990) *Added by Memphis Zoo staff Overview of preparations

Stages to process and consider

1. Pregnancy (Prepartum Preparations)

2. Birth (Parturition – Related protocols)

3. Rearing (parturition protocols and post-partum management

plan)

1. Pregnancy – Prepartum Preparations

Veterinary consulting

Memphis zoo veterinary staff Drs. Felicia Knightly and Aimee Berliner

will be overseeing all aspects of medical care for Jahe and infant.

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Felicia Knightly will be contacting OBGYN consultants in case help is

needed. Felicia Knightly will be communicating and coordinating the

human OBGYN to assist Jahe if necessary.

Physical facility Review

Jahe should give birth in early spring. All animals are housed indoors

each night. Often we give access this time of year if the outside

temperatures are 40-45 degrees. Since this is Jahe’s first birth it is

unknown how she will shift inside or outside once in the later part of

her pregnancy. If Jahe becomes less reliable to shift we will discuss

whether or not to keep her inside as her due date approaches.

Additional wood wool (8 inches deep) will be given to Jahe beginning

on or around 3/1/2016 in room #4. Due to her known allergies hay

and straw are not to be used. Review of holding and exhibit items

should be examined by all involved staff to ensure a safe

environment for infant. Facility should be evaluated and items

removed or added by 1/15/2016. Currently, Jahe’s room has no

furniture except the bench built into the building. We want to add a

hammock and cameras to the room birth will take place by

1/15/2016.

There are several benefits to assigning Tomback to rooms 2 and 3

and Chickie to room 1. Since Tomback will be eventually introduced

to the baby it will be good for him to have close visual, audible and

olfactory contact with them. If needed, he could be locked in room 2

for the birth, so there would be no animal in room three to disturb or

disrupt Jahe. Chickie and Jahe often argue through the gate with

fingers and hair pulling and pinching. Tom and Jahe are non-eventful

sharing a gate and have a low stress relationship.

If Chickie and Tomback are on exhibit with the need for access, Jahe

should be in 1 / 2 for Chickie and Tomback to have access behind 3/4.

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Hand rearing

All equipment required for hand rearing is at the Hospital.

Oxygen set up

Incubator

Thermometer

Blankets

Heating pad

Sterile cotton

Scale

Bottles

Nipples

Pediolyte

Formula

Nursery recording sheets

Key staff must review the orangutan SSP Husbandry manual’s “Hand

Rearing” chapter prior to parturition.

Maternal Training

Jahe’s history suggests she will have appropriate maternal skills,

however maternal training will still offer a proactive approach if

intervention is necessary. Jahe learns very quickly and is normally

eager to participate in a training session. The table below will outline

all behaviors primate keepers will need to be trained on in case the

need to intervene occurs.

Behavior Benefit Present nipple and allow manipulation

Desense for nursing and aid in feeding through the mesh if infant was removed

Present shoulder for injection If sedation is required Present vagina Allow visual / swab exam

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Retrieve and bring to the mesh (laser Pointer)

To aid in bring the baby to the mesh and pick up the baby if she leaves it

Present the baby and supplemental feeding (hold stuffed animal to mesh and apply bottle)

To allow the visual and positioning if the infant were to require supplemental feedings

Nutrition

On 4/15/14 Jahe weighed 58 kgs. Jahe appears to be satiated on her current diet.

Her body condition is good. We are not able to collect a current animal weight in

the Orangutan facility. This is Jahe’s diet percentages compared to the latest

information from the SSP Orangutan nutrition advisor.

Low Biscuit (5%) Medium Biscuit (11%)

High Biscuit (17%) Current Average* *Range of Current Average Diet from 7 days collection

Biscuit 243g 388g 479g 210g (6%)

Fruit (4%) 196g 141g 109g 283g (8%) 323-234g

Root (2%) 109g 80g 58g 116g (3%) 130-103g

Vegetable (20%) 1022g 747g 580g 1456g (39%) 1737-1335g

Leafy Green (57, 63 or 69%)

3516g 2335g 1649g 1667g (45%) 1932-1347g

TOTAL 5086g 3691g 2875g 3732g

On December 31, 2015, it was decided to decrease fruit to 200 grams and

increase her biscuits to 240 grams. When she gives birth we will increase her diet

by 10% to ensure the dietary needs are met for lactation.

Other staff preparation

Key staff should be visiting orangutan building on a schedule to allow the animals

to be familiar with key staff presence.

Bi monthly fecals will be collected and analyzed from each individual animal in the

Orangutan building. This will give the veterinarian staff a base line of a few

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months to collect information to evaluate if we will be giving prophylactic

ivermectin.

Weekly ultrasounds will occur with Felicia and Nikki both as primary and an

additional essential staff person can watch.

2. Birth (Parturition related protocols)

Animal Management Plan for Onset of Labor Prior to delivery it is possible Jahe could display some specific behaviors that may indicate she is nearing labor:

- Reluctance to shift

- Clenching hands and feet

- Spending more time in lateral position

- Aggressive behavior toward keeper or other animals

- Hiding

- Vocalizing

- Loss of appetite or participation

Preparation for delivery should be taken if these behaviors are observed.

Preparations for delivery include the following:

- Making sure Jahe’s cage is heavily bedded with wood wool

- Allowing her to remain inside if she doesn’t want to shift outside

- Continuing training sessions

- Continuous observation of Jahe and notification of management and

veterinary staff

Day/Night of Birth

1. If Jahe goes into labor during the day, keepers will attempt to separate her

into room 4. Tomback should be shifted into Rooms 2/3 and/or possibly

locked in room 2 or outside in case intervention is necessary.

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2. Traffic though the orangutan compound will have extra restrictions during

this time as to not distract or disturb Jahe and the infant as well as the rest

of the orangutan group. Gates on the compound should be locked.

3. All individuals on notification tree (next section) will be notified and

equipment for emergency intervention will be gathered and set up by vet

staff. Security (East Gate Guard) should be notified if there will be

afterhours activity.

4. If Jahe is in labor or signs of labor at end of workday management will

decide with staff how to schedule observations and routine work.

5. Once labor / birth of infant, we will continue to monitor mother/infant until

it is determined spot-checking is appropriate. Keeper presence and activity

should remain as close to “normal” as possible to avoid a situation that

Jahe is distracted and Tomback is upset. Tomback may need attention

during this time and may be of benefit to have him in room two or locked

outdoors.

6. Vets will work with staff to assess infant’s condition.

7. How long monitoring continues beyond parturuition and whether it’s in-

person or via camera will be determined by management.

Telephone notification tree to relay birth is imminent

Once labor is suspected, the keeper will alert curator on duty as well as

veterinarian. Then it is the keeper’s responsibility to observe, take notes and field

questions as they are posed to her.

It is the curator’s responsibility to communicate with other keepers, as well as

Matt Thompson. It is the veterinarian’s responsibility to communicate with

hospital staff. Matt will communicate with Chuck Brady and other lines of

business (marketing, etc.) as appropriate.

Curators (on site curator responsible for contacting others or delegating contact

duty):

Houston Winbigler:

Courtney Janney:

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Vet staff (on site veterinarian or first vet contacted is responsible for contacting

others)

Felicia Knightly

Aimee Berliner:

Kathy Evans:

Danny Tennison:

Keepers

Nikki Strain:

Sandi Shoemaker

Melissa Peterson:

Lexi Yang

Scott Lincoln

Jason Bankston:

Parturition – Problem Solving Related Protocols

**If Jahe doesn’t want to come inside from exhibit??? What would our plan be?

This is not a normal problem we ever have. Jahe is a very reliable shifter. This will

be dealt with in the moment, or if any hesitation to shift is noticed at any time

leading up to her due date.

**Jahe should separate from Tomback. Some males get very sexually excited

about a birth. All efforts should be made to get Jahe alone in room four.

**Any intervention must be approved by either Felicia Knightly or Courtney

Janney and will be based on physical condition and behavior of mom and baby

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**In the event that Jahe’s labor exceeds the average duration for labor of an

orangutan then emergency intervention may have to happen. This determination

will be made by Felicia Knightly.

- At the first sign of labor, the phone tree will be activated. Dr. Felicia

Knightly will ensure that all the emergency vet staff and human OB are

notified

**Nursing Issues

---While continuously observing the first day post-partum keepers should

note time, duration and side of all nursing attempts. Infant jaw movements

and rhythmic pattern of suckling are indicators (all captured using

Columbus Zoo’s Mother/infant observation log)

---It may take 24- 72 hours for milk to let down. If infant appears weak or is

deteriorating, sedation of Jahe may be necessary for infant examination. If

sedation is necessary we will encourage the infant to nurse on Jahe. If Jahe

doesn’t have milk we will make sure the infant is supplemented with bottle

feeding. (Note – early post-partum Milk is thin and watery) It can take a

few days for breast to develop and mom to get in “real” milk.

**If Jahe is ignoring the infant or is interested but not carrying the infant

---Attempt a training session to get Jahe to pick up the baby (before this is

attempted it must be approved by Felicia Knightly or Courtney Janney). We

expect Jahe to take care of her baby because of her past family history.

However if Jahe refuses to bring the baby to the mesh to participate in training

intervention, infant removal may be necessary.

**Other indications necessitating Infant Removal

- If these situations occur the infant should be removed. If Jahe can not be

separated from the infant immobilization of Jahe will be necessary.

o Jahe is aggressive toward the infant

o Jahe doesn’t clear the infants mucous membranes

o Infant is unable to nurse for 48 hours

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o Infant is left on the floor in danger of hypothermia

o Infant is not clinging, appears grey/blue or otherwise appears ill

o Jahe is unable to pass the placenta or is having other medical issues

- **Vet staff will need to evaluate the medical state of infant to determine

course of action.

- Although direct course of action will depend on the situation and should be

assessed at the time, the protocols set by Orangutan SSP Husbandry

Manual “Hand Rearing” Chapter should provide general guidelines. The

decision will be made on assessing what is best for the infant.

o 1. Sedate Jahe. Place infant on her nipple and allow recovery from

anesthesia with infant clinging. Continual watch should occur to

assess the situation.

o 2. Remove infant for hand rearing with expectation to reintroduce.

Work with the infant on taking a bottle through the mesh. Work

with Jahe to allow us to feed infant through mesh.

o 3. Send infant to another institution for hand rearing.

- Initial hand rearing at Memphis Zoo will be done at the Hospital. The first

night a veterinarian will need to stay with the infant.

o Staff Rotation will be decided by the Curators and Veterinarians.

o Location – After the infant is stabilized at the hospital, the infant will

come to the Orangutan building during the day. At closing time the

infant will go to the hospital for the night.

Additional Considerations

There is a possibility that Jahe’s infant may be compromised medically.

Veterinary assessment of infant’s condition will be necessary. If it is necessary to

remove and treat the infant, we will reintroduce to Jahe as soon as possible. We

will continue to train with Jahe for breast manipulation and collect any milk

possible to be given to the infant. It also should be attempted for the baby to

nurse Jahe though the mesh. The infant should be housed in close visibility to

Jahe. If incubation is required, the temperature should be set at 86 degrees.

Human formula can be fed if it appears the infant is not gaining proper nutrients

from nursing. Personal protection equipment should be worn by any humans in

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contact with the infant. (Gloves, face mask, and gown) Special care should also

be taken to keep exposure to disease at a minimum. So, number of humans

infant has contact with should be minimal as to prevent transmission of

germs/illness.

Dietary Changes

At present point in 2nd trimester Jahe is likely slightly overweight. Lactation

demands require a diet increase. We are not able to currently obtain a weight on

our Orangutans. We will plan to increase her diet by 10% once she gives birth per

consult with Dr. Schmitt SSP Nutrition advisor and Felicia Knightly’s current body

weight assessment of Jahe.

Postpartum Training Plan (As Adapted by Brookfield example in SSP Husbandry

Manual)

- Infant born at night – Keepers monitor via camera; training session

preformed in the morning at opening.

- Infant born in the morning- keepers monitor; training session preformed in

the afternoon

- Infant born in the afternoon- keepers monitor overnight via camera;

training session performed in the morning at opening or based on condition

and timing performed late afternoon/evening

- Veterinarian should be present for training session in order to assess

mother and infant along with staff

Reintroduction

Plan will be based on how Jahe and baby are progressing. Tomback will have

visual, auditory and olfactory through mesh or solid gate until staff feels

comfortable introducing him. Tomback does not have any history with an infant.

The timing/location of introduction will be determined by the team and

management.

Introduction enrichment must have special consideration so that items can not

become dangerous to infant.

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Exhibit Plan

A timeline will be established post partum. It is likely that Jahe and infant will go

outside alone several times before introduction to the male. The waterfall will be

off and moat drained completely. Jahe will need to display excellent maternal

skills including proper handling and carrying of the infant before going on exhibit.

Professional Contacts

Carol Sodaro, Orangutan SSP Husbandry Advisor: 708-688-8706;

carol.sodaro@czs.org

Lori Perkins, Orangutan SSP Coordinator: 404-624-5631; lperkins@zooatlanta.org

Meghan Elder, Orangutan SSP Studbook Keeper: 651-487-8221;

megan.elder@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Jennifer Mickelberg (Zoo Atlanta Curator of Primates): 404-624-5957;

jmickelberg@zooatlanta.org

SSP Vet Advisors

Dr. Nancy Lung: 817-759-7131; Nlung@fortworthzoo.org

Dr. Joe Smith, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo,260-427-6815; vet@kidszoo.org

Contacts

Matt Bearridge, Angie Snowie, Jackie Craig, Julie Hanna, Amanda Carroll, Toronto

Zoo 416-392-5929

Danielle Williams, Zoological Manager of Primates at Birmingham Zoo 205-879-

0409;282 dwilliams@birminghamzoo.com

Works Cited

Megan Elder, Como Park Zoo Birth Plan

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Sodaro, C. Frank, E., Nancy, A. and N. Czekala. “Orangutan Development

reproduction and Birth.”

Appendix:

Infant weakness signs

1. Not holding head up

2. Eyes glazed

3. Loss of grip. Infant should be able to cling without support

4. Skin folds that could indicate dehydration

5. Loss of ability to suckle properly

6. Excessive crying which could be indicator of inadequate milk intake

Infant death

- If infant is stillborn or dies Jahe may attempt to carry the infant. In this

event the following protocol will be followed:

1. Allow Jahe to keep the infant as long as she wants

2. Don’t force Jahe to give us the baby

3. Keep Jahe and infant inside

Surrogate Protocol:

- Lori Perkins should be contacted with our potential birth dates. She will

give us recommendation on what surrogate would be available if we had a

need.

Visitors to nighthouse

- There should be no visitors to the orangutan nighthouse unless approved

first by Courtney Janney or Houston Winbigler.

- All visitations should be approved based on how Jahe and baby are doing at

that particular moment. There should be no visitors other than essential

staff for the first 2 weeks to ensure proper bonding and the lowest stress

environment for Jahe, baby, Chickie, and Tomback.

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Chickie

Chickie and Jahe/infant should not have mesh-to-mesh contact until

approved by management and staff.

Tomback

Mesh-to-mesh access between Tomback and Jahe/infant will be approved by

management and staff when we have determined interest level, possible

aggression, etc. If possible, it would be best to orchestrate the first introduction

through double mesh.

Aggression and stress levels should be evaluated. Tomback may be interested but

not aggressive. Jahe may be protective. Tomback can be reactive to people in

the nighthouse. He can push gates back and forth possible causing an injury to

another animal by chance. All staff should be very aware of Tomback’s mood and

what gate you are moving. Also how Tomback reacts with certain people should

be considered to keep the energy calm in the nighthouse.

The “feels like” temperature should be 70oF before mom and baby should go

outside.