Orangutan at Singapore Zoo Listens to Heartbeat in Woman’s Baby Bump

If you’re seeking evidence of the close bond between humans and primates, a recent video shared by TikTok user @ihsahnmohd offers a touching example. During a visit to the Singapore Zoo, an orangutan displayed a heartwarming gesture by leaning against the glass panel of its enclosure to listen to the heartbeat of a woman’s baby bump.

Human-Animal Interaction
The endearing moment was captured in a 33-second clip posted on TikTok on July 8, which has since accumulated over 17,100 views and 1,343 likes. In the video, Ihsahn’s wife can be seen gently pressing her baby bump against the glass, while the orangutan curiously squishes its right ear and cheek against the panel, seemingly trying to hear the heartbeat.

Ihsahn noted in the captions, “The orangutan came to my pregnant wife and listened to the baby’s heartbeat.” As the interaction unfolds, his wife leans closer to the orangutan, which then turns its head to examine her baby bump before pressing against the glass again. This connection, despite the barrier, showcases a remarkable moment between human and ape.

In response to a comment, Ihsahn shared that it was a truly enriching experience. Commenters noted that the orangutan, named Charlie, is known for being comfortable with humans, having been “hand raised from young.” Another user mentioned that Charlie had exhibited similar behavior with their mother in the past.

Meet Charlie
Charlie, a 46-year-old male Sumatran orangutan, was born on December 1, 1977, at Zoo Negara in Selangor, Malaysia. He arrived at the Singapore Zoo on June 8, 2005, as part of a population exchange program aimed at sustaining orangutans under human care. Currently weighing 96 kg, Charlie enjoys people-watching and is particularly drawn to women and children.

According to a spokesperson from Mandai Wildlife Group, this affectionate behavior is not unique to Charlie; many great apes show sensitivity towards expectant mothers, infants, and children. Sumatran orangutans, including Charlie, are classified as “critically endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.