Taipei Zoo

With deep sorrow, Taipei Zoo announced today (July 1) that the premature orangutan infant "Xiao Bao" (Younger Twin), born by Caesarean section two days ago, passed away at 12:38 a.m. despite more than an hour of emergency resuscitation following neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). From the moment Xiao Bao was born, the veterinary and animal care teams worked around the clock to provide intensive care. The entire zoo staff is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. Meanwhile, Xiao Bao's twin sibling, "Da Bao" (Older Twin), is also suffering from neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and remains under continuous 24-hour monitoring and treatment by veterinarians and keepers. The zoo sincerely asks the public to keep Da Bao in their thoughts and send their support during this critical time.

A Caesarean section was performed on the orangutan mother, "Ke-Yi," a few days ago. Although the surgery successfully delivered the twins, both infants were immediately transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), where they received continuous 24-hour monitoring by the veterinary team.

Yesterday (June 30), around noon, Xiao Bao's vital signs began to fluctuate dramatically, showing signs of respiratory distress. The medical team immediately initiated emergency resuscitation. Unfortunately, due to congenital developmental limitations associated with prematurity, Xiao Bao went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 12:38 a.m. today despite every effort to save the infant.

The medical team's full attention is now focused on "Da Bao," the surviving twin, who continues to fight for life. Da Bao is also suffering from neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Because the lungs are not yet fully developed, the infant is unable to breathe effectively without assistance, and the condition remains extremely critical. In an effort to preserve Ke-Yi's bloodline, Taipei Zoo's veterinary team continues to provide round-the-clock intensive care in the ICU. Throughout the rescue and ongoing treatment, the zoo is deeply grateful to the neonatologists from National Taiwan University Hospital, whose timely guidance has supported both Xiao Bao's emergency treatment and the development of precise respiratory support, medication plans, and physiological monitoring strategies for Da Bao.

The zoo stated that Da Bao has shown a strong will to survive, but the coming days will be a decisive period. We sincerely ask the public to keep Da Bao in their thoughts and hopes the infant can safely overcome this critical stage.

While mourning the loss of the newborn, the medical team reported that orangutan mother "Ke-Yi" is recovering steadily following her Caesarean section. Veterinarians and keepers continue to closely monitor her post-operative recovery, including wound healing and nutritional intake.

Taipei Zoo extends its heartfelt gratitude to all medical partners and members for their support following the orangutan Caesarean section. Although Xiao Bao was unable to survive, the zoo remains committed to respecting every life and will continue dedicating all available veterinary resources and cross-disciplinary medical expertise to caring for Da Bao. We also sincerely ask everyone to continue sending their encouragement and support to Da Bao.