The winning moniker was Batu, named for the Batu Islands off the coast of Sumatra. The other choices were Kadoa, which means "small gift," and Anoano, which means blessing.
Visitors were able to vote on the Zoo's website.
In honor of Batu's naming, PECO has sponsored an Orangutan Baby Naming Weekend at the Zoo on December 5 and 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
You'll be able to visit Batu and her parents and participate in card making, games, crafts and more. There will be a special orangutan giveaway on Saturday & Sunday starting at 11:00 a.m. for the first 200 zoo visitors each day.
Batu was born to 17 year old female Tua, who came to the Philadelphia Zoo from Zoo Atlanta, and male Sugi, 13, who was born at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Adult orangutans can weigh as much as 250 pounds (males), but weigh just 3-4 pounds at birth. The newborn is the first orangutan born in PECO Primate Reserve..
Like their human counterparts, baby orangs take a long time to become socially and nutrionally independent of their parents. Batu will probably spend another few weeks in the clutches of her mom.
It'll take another eight years to be completely on her own.
