Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Infant Care Unit

The Infant Care Unit ant Care UnitAn Infant Care Unit (ICU) was specially set up on Orang Utan Island owing to the success of the breeding program, to provide veterinary care for the infants, as well as to ensure that these primates can eventually adapt to the natural habitat and have a higher survival rate in the wilderness. A total of 13 infants were born on the island. The objectives of the ICU are: To provide veterinary care for infant Orang Utans in the event of separation from its mother due to improper maternal care. To create public awareness on the conservation of the endangered Orang Utan. To provide the public an opportunity to view how the veterinary care is provide for the infants. To increase the population of Orang Utans through "ex-situ" program in line with the national wildlife conservation of endangered species. To encourage public participation through our baby Orang Utan adoption program. During birth , the infants may be required to be separated from its mother and taken into care at the ICU for the following reasons, failure of mother's lactation, premature birth / low birth weight, umbilical cord infection, diarrhea, poor growth rate, or lack of maternal care from the mother. Infants separated from its mother will undergo clinical diagnosis, treatment, recovery and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program is carried out internally and externally as to ensure that the babies will eventually adapt to the natural environment. The process is conducted by the Resident Veterinarian, Dr. Sabapathy, and his team of veterinarian assistants.