Today, something happened that i will never forget. I got support while feeding my baby from the most unexpected place. It was so powerful; it brought me to tears.
My partner, our baby, and I were taking a short trip to Vienna. On our last full day, we visited the Schönbrunn Zoo. Toward the end of our visit, we stopped by the orangutan enclosure. One orangutan was sitting quietly near the glass, so I sat down with my baby to let him watch her closely.
To my surprise, she noticed us. She picked up a piece of cloth, walked to the window, and sat down right across from me. She looked into my eyes, then gently raised her hand to the glass, as if she wanted to touch my baby. I was amazed.
A few minutes later, my son let me know he was hungry. Since it was calm and quiet, I started to breastfeed him. What happened next was unbelievable. The orangutan watched closely. She looked at me, then at my baby, then back again. She stayed by the glass for around 30 minutes, gently stroking it and lying down next to us. It felt like she was comforting and protecting me.
Soon, a few people gathered around us. I was nervous at first, thinking I might get judged for breastfeeding in public. But to my surprise, everyone was kind and respectful. A man with dreadlocks and two kids quietly sat nearby. Then an older woman came with a child. Though I did not understand her language, I could tell she was explaining that I was feeding my baby and that it was natural. It warmed my heart.
Our trip to Vienna was not even planned. I booked the cheapest flights and hotel just to get away from the holiday rush and begin my baby’s travel journey. I love to travel and did not want to give it up just because I became a mom. I knew so little about Vienna; I actually thought we were going to Italy at first! I searched online for things to do and found out about Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world. I had to go—I love animals.
We nearly missed the orangutans. But just as we were about to leave, I noticed one had come closer. That is when the magic happened.
I do not consider myself religious, but I do believe something led us there. That orangutan will always have a place in my heart. I will make sure my son remembers her too.
