Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo announces pregnant orangutan

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Wednesday announced that Ruby — a 26-year-old female Bornean orangutan — is expecting.

According to the zoo, the baby is expected to arrive in February 2026.

Ruby has been at the zoo for nearly 20 years, and this is her first pregnancy.

The baby’s father — 23-year-old Denda — joined the zoo in 2024 with the opening of the Hubbard Orangutan Forrest.

According to the zoo, this is the first orangutan pregnancy in more than a decade.

The zoo said this pregnancy marks a milestone not only for the zoo, but also for the global effort to ensure a sustainable future for the endangered species.

“This pregnancy is a meaningful step forward for orangutan conservation,” said Ryan Sears, curator of large mammals at the zoo. “Every orangutan birth is a celebration, not just for our zoo, but for the species as a whole. Each infant helps strengthen the population in human care and deepens our community’s connection to the urgent need to protect orangutans and their habitats.”

Bornean orangutans are endangered due to habitat loss, deforestation, palm oil production and illegal wildlife trade, according to the Zoo.

Guests can look forward to updates on Ruby’s pregnancy and can visit her in the orangutan forest at the zoo.