Tender moment mother orangutan kisses her daughter

The tender a moment a mother orangutan shares a kiss with her daughter has been immortalised in a beautiful picture.

Mali and her four-year-old daughter Tatau’s close bond was captured during feeding time at Paignton Zoo in Devon.

While foraging for food, the rare Bornean orangutan can be seen reaching out to Tatau, pulling her close and locking lips with her.

The snapper said the two orangutans shared food by passing it mouth to mouth, which is why they look as if they’re kissing

The photographs were taken earlier this month by a regular zoo visitor.

The snapper, who does not want to be named, said: ‘They had just come out onto the small island foraging for food left by the keepers.

‘Tatau had got some food from one box and came back to her mother Mali, who had another box. 

‘Mali then shared some food by passing it mouth to mouth. That is why it looks like they are kissing.

‘I really like photographing the Great Apes because they are so affectionate and similar to us humans.’ 

Although Tatau is four years old, she is still very reliant on her 22-year-old mother, with whom she has an extremely close bond, the photographer added.   

Phil Knowling, Paignton Zoo spokesman, said: ‘Mali and Tatau share their home with adult females Gambira and Chinta, Chinta’s daughter Natalia and adult male Wousan.

Although Tatau is four years old, she is very reliant on her 22-year-old mother, with whom she has an extremely close bond

Mali and Tatau share their home with adult females Gambira and Chinta, Chinta’s daughter Natalia and adult male Wousan

‘Mali arrived at Paignton Zoo from Munster Zoo, in Germany, in November 2007.’

He said Bornean orangutans are threatened by hunting, the pet trade and habitat destruction and are classed as endangered.

Phil added: ‘They usually have a lifespan of between 34 to 45 years in the wild, but will often live much longer in zoos.’