Atlanta, GA – March 16, 2026 – Authorities have launched an urgent investigation after a newborn Sumatran orangutan named Kiko was stolen from Zoo Atlanta earlier today.
The baby orangutan, born on March 13 to a 28-year-old female orangutan named Benny, was only three days old when the incident occurred. Zoo staff discovered the disappearance during a routine morning health inspection at around 8:00 AM.
According to internal sources, the habitat appeared disturbed when keepers arrived, and the infant was no longer with its mother. Security footage later showed a brief glimpse of an unidentified person leaving the restricted area, though investigators have not yet been able to identify the individual.
Law enforcement officers from Atlanta Police are now working alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Officials believe the crime may be connected to illegal wildlife trafficking, which is protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Experts say infant orangutans are highly valuable in illegal animal markets and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars to private collectors.
Meanwhile, Benny has shown clear signs of distress since the disappearance. Zoo staff report that she has been pacing her enclosure and making contact calls throughout the day.
Zoo officials have intentionally avoided public announcements in order to protect the ongoing investigation and improve the chances of recovering the endangered infant safely.
With fewer than 14,000 Sumatran orangutan remaining in the wild, conservationists say every birth is extremely important for the survival of the species.
Authorities are asking the public to report any information that could help locate the missing orangutan.
