A PRIMATE rescue centre near Wool has launched an appeal to help feed an orphaned orangutan.

Bornean orang-utan Sibu Jr celebrated his first birthday on July 31 but carers are struggling to pay for specialist milk feeds.

Sibu Jr was born at Dublin Zoo, but tragically his mother did not allow him to suckle, meaning he had to be hand-reared to save his life.

He was moved to the specialist orangutan crèche at Monkey World, which has experience in caring for vulnerable infants and a nursery designed specifically to meet growing orangutans needs.

The infant joined the sanctuary at just 12 weeks old and on his first birthday he spent the day enjoying extra treats, toys and playing with his adoptive sister, 19-month-old Kiwi, who was also rejected by her mother in a zoo in Spain.

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But despite the duo’s increasing independence, keepers need to give milk feeds several times a day.

In the wild, orangutans would suckle until around four years old. Sibu Jr, unfortunately, is intolerant to the more usual cow’s milk formula, and the Monkey World team have found he can only have a hypoallergenic milk formula, Neocate Junior Unflavoured.

Kiwi and Sibu Jr live full time in the nursery, with keepers giving milk feeds Picture: Monkey World

“All others make him unwell, and do not give the right level of nutrients,” a spokesperson said. “This is an expensive milk powder, so Monkey World are appealing to their supporters for any help in funding the baby’s milk, to celebrate the endangered primate’s birthday!”

Director of Monkey World, Dr. Alison Cronin, said: “Sibu is our 13th orphan orangutan to be cared for in our orangutan creche.

“We provide specialist care for these vulnerable orphans so that can grow up living with others of their own kind.

Orphan Sibu Gets Through One Tin of Hypoallergenic Formula Every 3 Days Currently Picture: Monkey World

“Sibu currently weighs just over 6kg and is getting through one tin of the Neocate every three days and of course as he matures he will take more of the amino acid-based baby formula.

“Sibu and Kiwi also get a variety of vegetables and some fruit, but the milk formula is essential for strong bone growth”.

The pair live full-time in a specially designed playroom within the orangutan nursery, which allows the vulnerable infants to see the older orangutans risk-free.

Young orangutan Sibu Jr still needs three milk feeds a day Picture: Monkey World

Here they can build all the vital skills needed for adulthood, climbing, playing, socialising and growing strong until they are big enough to be introduced to the other orphans.

Monkey World is a self-funded, internationally renowned primate rescue centre, working with governments across the globe for the past 38 years to stop the illegal wildlife trade.

Visitors to the park help to fund the centre’s work. Monkey World is open every day, except for Christmas Day.

Visit https://monkeyworld.org/support-us/donations-and-appeals/ to donate.