Celebrando los dos años de Siska, nuestra bebé orangután de Sumatra 

A Name That Honors a Legacy 

Siska was named in honor of Dr. Fransiska Sulistyo, a renowned orangutan veterinarian, conservationist, and researcher whose work has made lasting contributions to orangutan health and welfare in both human care and the wild. The name is a tribute not only to Dr. Sulistyo’s legacy, but also to the collaborative efforts it takes to protect and preserve these extraordinary animals. 

A First for Her Mother—and for Conservation 

Siska is the first baby for her mother, Eirina, who came to DZCA from Germany’s Zoo Dortmund in September 2016, bringing her playful spirit to her new home in Primate Panorama. Once at DZCA, Eirina was recommended for breeding as part of the Sumatran Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP)—a vital cooperative program that manages orangutan populations in accredited zoos to ensure genetic diversity and the long-term survival of the species.  Every birth under the SSP is carefully planned and monitored, making Siska’s arrival a milestone not just for DZCA, but for the global effort to save orangutans from extinction.  

Fun fact: During Eirina’s pregnancy, she and her care team made national news when one of our previous Animal Care Specialists was able to soothe the first-time mom’s morning sickness by making her the same tea she drank when pregnant with her own daughter!  

The Smallest Member, the Biggest Joy 

Now approaching her second year of life, Siska is thriving—and making it clear that she’s not just any baby orangutan. She’s known for her playful, adventurous nature—much like a human toddler (we do share about 97% of our DNA with orangutans, after all!), always climbing high into the trees, jumping into soft beds of woodwool or hay, or playing elaborate games of hide and seek with blankets and sheets. Her bond with her older sister Cerah is especially sweet, as the two often engage in energetic play sessions that mimic the social learning typical of young orangutans in the wild. 

Siska has also started forming relationships outside of her immediate family. Recently, she’s taken an interest in spending more time with her dad, Berani, and has even been spotted climbing into his lap during public demonstrations—a clear sign of her growing social curiosity and confidence. 

Food-wise, Siska is eager to try anything the group is eating. While she hasn’t chosen a favorite yet, there’s one treat she definitely can’t resist: diluted fruit juice—originally prepared to help keep Berani hydrated. Siska is known to make a dash for the straw whenever she spots someone sipping from it, eager for a sweet taste. 

And while she’s venturing out more independently now, Eirina keeps a watchful eye, often sitting nearby as Siska explores the world around her—learning the fine art of swinging, balancing, and foraging. Orangutans stay with their mothers longer than most mammals, sometimes up to eight years, so this early time is essential for learning survival skills. 

A Symbol of Hope 

The birth and development of orangutans like Siska are crucial at a time when wild Sumatran orangutan populations face severe threats from deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade. With fewer than 14,000 individuals remaining in the wild, every birth in captivity offers hope for education, awareness, and potential future reintroductions. 

Your financial support helps ensure a brighter future for our little one and ALL our orangutans. Here’s how you can help: 

Your support of DZCA is critical not only to our orangutans, but to the other 2,500+ animals that call DZCA home!