Wali is a baby Sumatran orangutan born at the Toronto Zoo on April 8, 2022. His name means “guardian” in Indonesian, a fitting title as Sumatran orangutans are often called the “guardians of the rainforest” due to their important role in maintaining their ecosystem. Wali is the second offspring of his mother Sekali, who previously gave birth to a son in 2006. Since birth, Wali has shown natural curiosity and is starting to explore his environment, including grasping leafy greens and attempting to stand while holding onto objects or his mother.
Wali is part of the Toronto Zoo’s conservation efforts for the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, which faces threats such as habitat loss primarily due to palm oil plantation expansion. The zoo supports sustainable palm oil to help protect wild orangutans.
Wali is the 15th orangutan born at the Toronto Zoo since 1974, symbolizing hope for the survival of his species. Visitors to the zoo can watch Wali’s growing confidence and playfulness as he climbs and learns under the watchful eye of his mother and the zoo staff.
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