Two-Headed Monkey Born at Great Plains Zoo Undergoing Evaluation
Sioux Falls, SD (AP) — A baby orangutan born early Friday at the Great Plains Zoo with two fully formed heads has been named “Janus,” after the two-faced Roman deity, as veterinarians continue evaluating what preliminary tests suggest may be synchronized neurological activity.
The infant was delivered at 3:12 a.m. inside the zoo’s neonatal care unit, according to Dr. Elena Morales, the zoo’s chief primatologist. Staff initially expected a routine birth.
“Within moments it became clear this was not typical,” Morales said. “Both heads opened their eyes simultaneously and responded to light stimulus in near-perfect sync.” Within moments it became clear this was not typical,” Morales said. “Both heads opened their eyes simultaneously and responded to light stimulus in near-perfect sync
Janus weighs 5 pounds and measures 9.3 inches in length. Zoo officials said the infant’s heart rate stabilized at 118 beats per minute shortly after delivery, with oxygen saturation levels within expected neonatal parameters.
Emergency diagnostic testing began at approximately 3:18 a.m. Electroencephalogram (EEG) readings showed closely matched alpha and beta wave activity across both cranial cavities, Morales said. A higher-resolution MRI and vascular imaging are scheduled later this week to further assess neural integration and organ coordination.
Polycephaly — the condition of having more than one head — has been documented in reptiles and, in rare cases, mammals. Survival beyond infancy is uncommon due to complications involving cardiopulmonary function and neurological development.
Dr. Marcus Havel, a developmental biologist at UC Davis who is not involved in the case, said synchronized cortical firing in mammals would be unusual if confirmed. Dr. Marcus Havel, a developmental biologist at UC Davis who is not involved in the case, said synchronized cortical firing in mammals would be unusual if confirmed.
“In most documented cases, neural activity presents independently,” Havel said. “Additional imaging will be necessary before drawing conclusions about shared neural pathways.”
Zoo officials said the Animal Care and Ethics Committee convened at 6:30 a.m. to review monitoring protocols and establish research parameters. Media access to the neonatal unit has been restricted pending veterinary review.
Veterinarians reported a successful feeding attempt at 5:40 a.m., with coordinated swallowing observed. Mild asymmetry in muscular tone has been noted, though Morales cautioned that “it is too early to determine long-term neurological viability.”
Janus is being housed in a temperature-controlled neonatal incubator maintained at 92 degrees Fahrenheit and remains under continuous cardiopulmonary and infection monitoring.
In a written statement, the zoo said it is “prioritising animal welfare while adhering to established neonatal and ethical care protocols.” In a written statement, the zoo said it is “prioritising animal welfare while adhering to established neonatal and ethical care protocols.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, Janus remained stable. Veterinarians said the next 72 hours will be critical in assessing neurological development and systemic coordination. As of Tuesday afternoon, Janus remained stable. Veterinarians said the next 72 hours will be critical in assessing neurological development and systemic coordination.
Zoo officials said updates will be provided as additional test results become available.
This story is developing.
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