A “critically endangered” baby orangutan has just been born at the Toronto Zoo.

In a statement, the Toronto Zoo announced that its Sumatran orangutan Sekali gave birth on Friday.

“The day before the birth, Sekali was showing signs of restlessness and discomfort,” the statement read. “Guards watched her closely during the night and although she seemed to be settling in and looking comfortable, it was noted that her eyes were open for a greater part of the night than usually.”

The zoo said Sekali’s water broke at 11:30 a.m. and things “were fine until the baby was born”.

“Sekali’s maternal instinct kicked in immediately: she immediately held the baby close to her body, cleaned him up, and showed concern every time he vocalized,” the statement read.

The zoo said Sekali brought the baby to the keepers and they identified the newborn as male.

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Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, said they were “incredibly thrilled to welcome this new addition” to the zoo family.

“This baby orangutan is an important contribution to a genetically healthy Sumatran orangutan population in human care,” DeJong said. “Meanwhile, Sumatran orangutans are under increasing pressure in the wild due to habitat loss and the palm oil crisis, which we are working with partners to address.”

DeJong said the zoo is “proud to play an important role in the conservation of this amazing species.”

The zoo said Sekali and her newborn will not be on view to the public “until further notice”.

According to the zoo, this is Sekali’s second offspring, but it is Budi’s first offspring, a 16-year-old male.

Sekali, who is now 29, gave birth to her first son named Kembali in 2006.