It's a (healthy, furry) girl! Como Zoo announces orangutan's birth

It's a girl! Como Zoo has proudly announced the birth of a bouncing baby orangutan at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center.

The 3.45-pound baby, who is yet to be named, was delivered by Caesarean section Wednesday.

A team of maternal health and veterinary experts were on hand for the delivery.

"C-sections are very rare in that there are only about a dozen recorded within the international orangutan studbook that has tracked more 1,200 births in captivity throughout history," Como Zoo primate keeper Megan Elder said.

The 27-year-old Sumatran orangutan mother named Markisa also had a C-section with a previous birth.

The baby is very important for both Como Zoo and the entire orangutan species. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recommended Markisa for breeding as part of its orangutan species survival plan. She is considered one of the most genetically valuable Sumatran orangutans in North America.

Mom is already back at the zoo recovering from the procedure. Her baby remains in the intensive care unit at the U's veterinary center.

Como Zoo primate keepers are keeping a watchful eye over the newborn. She should rejoin her mom in a day or two.

Vineeta Sawkar • Twitter: @vsawkar