Aalborg Zoo turned to an unconventional method to help an orangutan learn how to breastfeed her newborn. The orangutan, named Ruti, gave birth on Wednesday but struggled to nurture her young in the first 24 hours.

Zoo staff initially tried using a teddy bear to demonstrate the breastfeeding process, but the attempt proved unsuccessful. Orangutans typically learn maternal skills by observing their own mothers, a learning opportunity Ruti never had.

The breakthrough came when a female guest with a newborn baby agreed to assist. According to a statement, the guest breastfed her baby in front of Ruti.

“It was a moment we will never forget,” said Kenneth Madsen, the zookeeper in charge of primates. “She put the baby to her breast, and it started to suckle. You could almost feel the relief spread throughout the zoo.”