Taipei City Construction Management Office

On June 29, 2026, the Taipei Zoo's Bornean orangutan Ke-Yi gave birth to premature twin infants by Cesarean section. One of the twins, Xiao Bao, sadly passed away shortly after birth due to respiratory distress syndrome associated with prematurity. The surviving twin, Yi Bao (the elder twin), continues to receive intensive medical care. Marking International Orangutan Day on August 19, the zoo would like to share updates on Ke-Yi and Yi Bao's recent progress and ongoing medical care with everyone who has been following their journey.

Ke-Yi has recovered well following her Cesarean section. After a period of rest and observation, she has gradually returned to her normal enclosure and daily routine. Yi Bao, however, was born prematurely with underdeveloped lungs and other organs, requiring a higher level of medical support. He therefore remains the veterinary team's highest priority for intensive care.

Because Yi Bao was born prematurely, his lungs and other organs were not yet fully developed at birth. He initially required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation to support his breathing. As his ability to breathe independently gradually improved, the medical team determined that he was ready for extubation. He is now receiving oxygen therapy through a high-flow nasal cannula while his breathing and overall physical condition continue to be closely monitored.

With continuous care, Yi Bao has been steadily gaining weight. His activity level, limb movements, and responses to external stimuli have all become more noticeable than they were shortly after birth. He has also recently begun bottle-feeding sessions with assistance from his caregivers to practice sucking and swallowing. For Yi Bao, who was born prematurely, every seemingly small improvement—from breathing and feeding to increasing activity—marks an important milestone in his development.

However, the immaturity of Yi Bao's lungs resulting from his premature birth remains the greatest medical challenge. During his recovery, he has experienced episodes of lung collapse and inflammation, and he still requires respiratory support through a high-flow nasal cannula. His digestive system is also not yet fully developed, and he has experienced bloating and digestive difficulties. The veterinary team continues to monitor his lungs and overall physical condition through clinical observation, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing, adjusting his treatment and care plan on a daily basis. Because all of his organs are still developing, his condition may change as he grows. Although encouraging progress has been seen in his weight, activity level, and feeding, it is still too early to say that he is out of danger.

Since Yi Bao was born on June 29, the Taipei Zoo's medical team has provided round-the-clock care through a three-shift schedule. While continuing to meet the daily medical needs of the zoo's other animals, the team has remained dedicated to Yi Bao's care, adjusting his treatment plan according to his clinical condition each day. They have watched him progress from requiring intensive life support to gradually developing the ability to breathe, suck independently, and become more active. Every milestone has been hard earned.

This unique medical journey has also benefited from valuable interdisciplinary collaboration. The Taipei Zoo sincerely thanks the Neonatology team at National Taiwan University Hospital for providing ongoing professional support and clinical advice. Their expertise in respiratory care, nutrition, gastrointestinal tolerance, and the assessment of premature newborns has offered invaluable guidance. This collaboration between human and veterinary medicine has provided the zoo's medical team with additional expertise to support clinical decision-making while caring for this rare and complex premature case.

Annually on August 19, International Orangutan Day raises awareness of the conservation challenges orangutans face in the wild. The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is listed as Critically Endangered, with wild populations continuing to decline due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, illegal hunting, and wildlife trafficking. Orangutans reproduce slowly, and their young depend on their mothers for many years to learn essential survival skills such as foraging and nest building. As a result, once wild populations decline, recovery can take many decades.

Yi Bao's story is still unfolding. The Taipei Zoo's veterinary and animal care teams will continue supporting him every step of the way as he overcomes the challenges associated with premature birth. Everyone hopes that one day, when Yi Bao is physically mature and medically stable, he will be able to reunite with his mother, Ke-Yi. Until then, every decision will continue to be made with his health and welfare as the highest priorities and based on careful assessment of his condition. We sincerely thank everyone for their continued care and encouragement, and hope that International Orangutan Day will inspire greater awareness not only of Ke-Yi and Yi Bao, but also gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges facing orangutans and the habitats they depend on.