Sadly, Sandar has given up the fight for life that he and so many nurses, doctors and veterinarians have been engaged in for the last 3 months.
After combating pneumonia since birth, Zoo Atlanta had no choice but to euthanize the infant orangutan today.
Just yesterday, it was reported that he was in serious decline.
Updated July 1, 6:15 pm
See yesterday's article below:
Today Atlanta's 11 Alive gets a long awaited for update on Sandar, the seriously ill infant Bornean Orangutan at Zoo Atlanta.
Sandar was first reported on extensively a month ago, when hopes were high that the extraordinary efforts to make him well would be successful.
The unique combination of veterinarians from Zoo Atlanta and neonatal nurses and doctors from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta seemed destined to succeed.
At the first reporting, he was judged to be improving slowly after being stricken with pneumonia and unable to breathe or feed from a bottle.
Today, however, the same reporter who interviewed Sandar’s caretakers over a month ago has bad news to report. The staff of healthcare professionals is now on crisis watch as his condition has been deteriorating over the last ten days. He is still having trouble breathing, although for a few weeks he seemed to be improving.
Today it seems questionable whether Sandar will survive, regardless of the dedication his team from Zoo Atlanta and Children’s Healthcare have extended.
The original Examiner article can be read here: Atlantan institutions rally to care for ill baby
Sandar and his orangutan family are part of the SSP – Species Survival Plan – a program to protect this endangered species that oversees more than 200 orangutans throughout the US. Experts predict the species could be extinct within 10 years without extraordinary efforts.
Zoo Atlanta hosts the largest collection of orangutans in the US. To support the Zoo’s conservation efforts, click here.
To see 11 Alive Marc Pickard’s full update on Sandar, click here.
Comments
Such an adorable creature, so much has been done protect this endangered species, it would be a shame to fail.
So sad! I hope and pray he makes it. Programs to save species are much needed to preserve animal life. Humans are taking all the natural habitats away with constant developments for monetary gain.
Was really saddened to hear that he didn't survive. Thanks for the update.
How heartbreaking! Thanks for keeping us updated.
I just learned today that Sandar was euthanized. I feel for his Mother and the people that took care of him.
He was beautiful....
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