Orangutan Dublin Zoo breastfeeding

When Irish Mammies Met Mujur: How Breastfeeding Mams Guided an Orangutan

When 30 Irish mams decided to drop their baby bottles and help a struggling orangutan, hearts melted at Dublin Zoo!

In a heartwarming display of maternal solidarity, Dublin Zoo initiated a unique workshop that brought together 30 breastfeeding mothers to assist Mujur, a 19-year-old orangutan, in learning the ins and outs of caring for her newborn baby. The result? A truly magical moment where humans and animals experienced a communal bond like no other! What started as a desire to help an endangered species with parenting turned into a beautiful tale of compassion and cooperation at the zoo, as the women came forth with their nourishing advice.

Mujur gave birth to her baby boy at the end of July, which was a momentous occasion after having lost her previous two offspring shortly after birth due to bonding difficulties. The zookeepers took it upon themselves to prepare Mujur for this new chapter of motherhood by inviting real-life mammies to lend a helping hand—or rather, a helping breast! With lessons and demonstrations on how to successfully latch and comfort her baby, these dedicated mothers showcased their own experiences as a source of knowledge for the struggling orangutan.

As the mothers gathered at Dublin Zoo, they lovingly shared their insights on breastfeeding, creating a nurturing environment for Mujur to learn. The atmosphere was nothing short of extraordinary as laughter, a sense of community, and empathy abounded, breaking through the barriers that separate human mothers from their animal counterparts. The workshops, which aimed to assist Mujur in developing the essential maternal skills needed for bonding with her new baby, were not just focused on education but also on the age-old connection that exists between all mothers—human or otherwise.

With the guidance and support of these 30 incredible women, Mujur is learning the vital skills needed to care for and bond with her infant, bringing hope to the team at Dublin Zoo and animal lovers everywhere. This tale of cross-species compassion shines a light on the power of mothering, and while Mujur takes this vital step toward bonding with her baby, it also serves as a touching reminder of the universal experience of parenthood.

Fun fact: Orangutans typically have a gestation period of about 9 months, similar to humans, but unlike many other species, their babies stay with their mothers for the first seven years of their life. This long-term bonding period is crucial for their development! Additionally, Mujur's experience isn't unique; she represents a species that is critically endangered, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to ensure that future generations can witness the wonders of orangutans in the wild.