WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – One of Central Texas’s newest treasures — a new baby Orangutan — had its name and gender revealed on Saturday (Jan. 10, 2026) in front of a captive audience of dozens at the Cameron Park Zoo.
It was a girl and she was named Ravi. Cameron Park Zookeeper spoke to Fox 44 News about the meaning behind Ravi’s name.
“She was actually born while the sun was rising on New Year’s Day, so we thought it was fitting that her name means “sun’ or like sunrise,” said Madi McCaleb, a Zookeeper at the Cameron Park Zoo. “She is in the window right now, so everyone’s getting the first look at mom and baby.”
Ravi is the third Orangutan born to her mom Mai. McCaleb stressed Ravi’s birth and reveal has a special place in her heart.
“I have a coworker who this is her third, so she’s like, ‘Oh, just another one.’ Every baby is important,” McCaleb said. “Since these guys are critically endangered, every birth is incredibly important for this species. But selfishly, she’s going to be in my heart for a while, even when one day I might leave Caveman Park Zoo. She’s going to be in here forever. That was a once in a lifetime, probably, experience, and I’m so glad that I got to be a part of it.”
McCaleb added it will be a few months before the Zoo will exhibit Ravi — likely when it warms up outside.
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