In nature, this is extremely unusual. Male orangutans in the wild hardly ever assist with raising their babies.
The Colorado Zoo incident is the most unexpected and touching tale.
There, after Celine’s mother went away, an orangutan named Bento decided to raise Celine, who was then two years old, by himself.
The zoo personnel were very taken aback by Bento’s impulse.
The orangutan has already proven to be a very attentive and loving father in the meanwhile. ‘Celine could not have imagined a father like that.
The zoo staff members say that Bento is highly aware of her, always looks out for her, and is aware of all her requirements.
Despite taking excellent care of Celine, Bento can’t totally take the role of the mother in terms of raising the kids, according to Denver Zoo staff.
Bento has had previous parenthood experiences, by the way.
The orangutan has already been asked to assist in raising a cub that is not his own in the past.
The mother of Celine, 33, passed in December. We all should try to learn from animals more.
