Psychology In The News | Orangutans Mirroring Humans

Dublin Zoo recently embarked on a ground-breaking initiative to help Mujur, a 19-year-old orangutan, learn to breastfeed her newborn. After two unsuccessful pregnancies where Mujur failed to exhibit necessary maternal qualities, the zoo took an innovative approach by enlisting 30 breastfeeding (human) mothers to demonstrate nursing techniques.

Led by Lizzie Reeves, a clinical midwife and lactation specialist, the project aimed to leverage orangutans’ known ability to mirror behaviour. For months, volunteer mothers took turns breastfeeding their babies in front of Mujur, hoping to inspire similar behaviour. Mujur had high levels of interest in the women. She watched them intensely and even came to recognise some of them. The project highlighted the power of community and cross-species empathy. As Reeves noted, it was "a really good example of women supporting women, regardless of species." The dedication of these volunteers showcased human compassion at its finest.

While Mujur didn't master breastfeeding, she did show improved maternal care post-birth. This partial success underscores the complexity of animal behaviour and the challenges of wildlife conservation. The story of Mujur and her baby also touches on the broader issue of endangered species preservation. As orangutans face critical endangerment, every birth is crucial for genetic diversity. Although the baby will be moved to a specialist institution, the project leaves a lasting impact. It not only provided valuable insights into primate behaviour but also demonstrated the potential for innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches in animal care and conservation. This unique collaboration between human mothers and an orangutan mother serves as a reminder of our connection to the animal world and the power of empathy in bridging species divides.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

1. How does the case of Mujur demonstrate the principles of social learning theory?
2. What ethical considerations does this research have from the perspective of both animal and human participants?
3. Use your knowledge of psychological research to suggest the impact of early maternal separation on Mujur and her baby.
4. Suggest how this study could demonstrate the idea of neural plasticity in Mujur.

CHALLENGE: Research the possible role of mirror neurons in the case of Mujur and her breastfeeding behaviour. What challenges might we face when trying to gather definitive evidence of plasticity?

Reference: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/art... (accessed 16.9.24)