Durrell News

Emergency treatment at Durrell

26^th May 2009

The combined effort of the team at Durrell and Jersey's hospital staff prevented the death of a Sumatran orangutan at the Trust’s headquarters over the weekend. Dana, Durrell’s newest female orangutan, gave birth to a stillborn baby late on Saturday afternoon, after carrying the infant for the full eight and a half month term.

However, the speedy response of staff on duty and the arrival of veterinarian Max Allan, consultant obstetrician Peter Sullivan, consultant anaesthetist Gary Purcel-Jones and their team saved Dana from certain death.

At 3:30pm keeper Jonathon Stark noticed the early signs of labour, as Dana readied herself on one of the large exterior islands of the orangutan enclosure. Keeley Smythe and Jon Stark monitored her progress, but it soon became apparent the 21 year old was in trouble.

Senior ape keeper Gordon Hunt, veterinary nurse Melissa Frost and relief vet Max Allan crossed the moat by bridge, to offer assistance to Dana. Gordon Hunt proceeded to give the new born baby mouth to mouth resuscitation and heart massage, but unfortunately the infant was already dead.

Dana was then taken to the on-site vet centre where Max Allan and Melissa Frost worked with hospital consultants Peter Sullivan, Gary Purcel-Jones and their team to save Dana’s life. The female was struggling to survive after the loss of a great deal of blood.

The whole team remained with Dana until she had regained consciousness from the anaesthetic and was well enough to return to the orangutan enclosure. She remains in one of the back dens but has shown positive signs that she will make a full recovery from her ordeal. The post mortem of the deceased infant should reveal more information about the cause of death.

While saddened by the loss of an infant orangutan, all at Durrell are relieved at Dana’s recovery and hope that she will go on to have many babies in the future. Gordon Hunt said, “We are very lucky not to have lost both of them. The quick action of the keepers and the rapid response of the hospital team and veterinary cover ensured Dana’s survival. Durrell is extremely grateful for their swift response, time and expertise.”

Durrell’s Director of Conservation Management, Quentin Bloxam said, “It's always tragic when we have a complication with a significant animal birth and in particular with one of the great apes. Fortunately due to the professionalism of our animal staff and with the support of our local specialists the mother has been saved and will be able to have other babies in the future. Happily Dana is recovering very quickly and will be integrated back with the rest of the group very soon.”

Durrell’s CEO, Paul Masterton added, “We would especially like to thank the States Hospital staff and Max Allan for their outstanding support through a very challenging time.”

Christopher Watson replied on Tuesday 26 May 2009
	Whilst equally saddened that Dana has lost her baby, I am delighted your efforts saved her for the longer term survival of this magnificent ape. I look forward to further news from Durrell and to our next visit, hopefully in October
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Elisabeth Brelstaff replied on Wednesday 27 May 2009
	What a shame poor old Dana.
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