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4-Time Mom At Lowry Park Zoo Doesn't Monkey Around

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 8, 2008

TAMPA - Lowry Park Zoo is a prime spot for a new primate.

A female orangutan was born late Sunday afternoon. Mother and daughter are doing well.

A gaggle of newborns came this summer, including a couple of primates and a warthog.

Dee Dee, mom of the newest arrival, has given birth to four offspring during her life, so she's experienced at motherhood. Her newborn, named RanDee, is the first to be born while on exhibit, zoo officials said.

"As a fourth-time mom, Dee Dee was clearly at ease with this birth, delivering quickly in her own way and time, which for her was outdoors," said Angela Belcher, assistant curator of primates, in a news release issued Thursday announcing the birth. Josie, another adult female orangutan, helped to clean the baby up after the birth.

The zoo's primate handlers are keeping a close eye on Dee Dee and the newborn. She is free to go from the outdoor exhibit into her den, and goes back and forth, occasionally showing off the newborn to zoo patrons.

The baby is named after her father, Rango, and her mom.

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