A baby Sumatran orangutan, described as "the most precious in Europe," has been born in Prague Zoo, Czechia.

The infant is the sole great-grandchild of an orangutan imported to the zoo from forests in Sumatra.

Zookeepers said its mother, Mawar, has been taking good care of her baby, born on November 19, who successfully started drinking milk.

Zoo director Miroslav Bobek said in a statement: "Genetically, he or she is extremely valuable. I dare say he or she is possibly the most valuable in Europe."

All zoos are currently closed to the public in Czechia due to the restrictions aimed at curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.

A breakthrough scientific study in 2011 revealed that orangutans and humans share 97 percent of their DNA sequence, sharing at least 28 unique physical characteristics.

The Sumatran orangutan is a critically endangered species, with fewer than 14,000 remaining in the wild.

Video editor: Paula Harvey.