Australasian Orangutan Population

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo orangutan update!

I visited the zoo this afternoon and observed that all four orangutans - Charlie, Melur, Bahmi and new female Daya - were in the orangutan habitat together and appeared to be getting along well. Charlie and Melur appeared relaxed and going about their normal activities, while Bahmi seemed to be intensely fascinated by Daya and was following her around the habitat for quite some time. Daya would tolerate Bahmi's presence for a while, and Bahmi would then follow her again until she decided to move off, or Melur decided to come after Bahmi and carry him back to the nests near the window.

I spoke to a volunteer and she confirmed that Bahmi, of all the orangutan family, has shown the most interest in Daya since she was fully integrated with the group. Charlie had shown the most interest when Daya was still separated from the family group via mesh, but it is Bahmi who has apparently become "obsessed" with Daya (in the volunteer's words) since the four orangutans have been integrated.

Daya is apparently showing great patience with Bahmi's antics, being used to infants and juveniles due to having a younger brother (Sabbar, born 2016) back in the Netherlands.

That’s great to hear Daya has made a smooth integration into the colony. As a male orangutan, I’d expect Charlie to be welcoming of an adolescent female orangutan; but there was always the risk of aggression from Melur in perceived defence of Bahmi. It sounds like there’s been positive interactions thus far. Long may it continue!

If Bahmi is obsessed with Daya now, I can only imagine how interested he’ll be when she produces her first infant. I would have loved to have seen the colony mid-90’s when they had juveniles, Intan (1989) and Datuk (1989); and then infant, Isim (1994).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That’s great to hear Daya has made a smooth integration into the colony. As a male orangutan, I’d expect Charlie to be welcoming of an adolescent female orangutan; but there was always the risk of aggression from Melur in perceived defence of Bahmi. It sounds like there’s been positive interactions thus far. Long may it continue!

If Bahmi is obsessed with Daya now, I can only imagine how interested he’ll be when she produces her first infant. I would have loved to have seen the colony mid-90’s when they had juveniles, Intan (1989) and Datuk (1989); and then infant, Isim (1994).

It's certainly encouraging to see all four orangutans co-existing peacefully. For all we know, there could have been some protectiveness of Bahmi from Melur earlier on, but I haven't witnessed any so far. Melur seemed almost more concerned about Bahmi bothering Daya, as she tolerated him following Daya for quite some time before going to fetch him back for feeding and grooming.

I can certainly imagine Bahmi being fascinated with Daya's first infant! And I do remember the old colony from the 90s, although my memories of then are a bit fuzzy. I recall there was a female who used to sit near the window a lot, who was most likely Indra, and an infant who must have been Isim.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's certainly encouraging to see all four orangutans co-existing peacefully. For all we know, there could have been some protectiveness of Bahmi from Melur earlier on, but I haven't witnessed any so far. Melur seemed almost more concerned about Bahmi bothering Daya, as she tolerated him following Daya for quite some time before going to fetch him back for feeding and grooming.

I can certainly imagine Bahmi being fascinated with Daya's first infant! And I do remember the old colony from the 90s, although my memories of then are a bit fuzzy. I recall there was a female who used to sit near the window a lot, who was most likely Indra, and an infant who must have been Isim.

That would have been Indra, she did that a lot apparently. She arrived at Auckland Zoo as a three year old and there’s footage and photographs of her in with keepers. She was very humanised compared to her daughter, Intan, who was much more private.

Dara was the eldest (at six years) upon import and must have been quite shy as I recall comments on the zoo about how her antenatal care (with Darli) was very hands off. Had she been a more confident/forceful personality, she may have clashed with Indra as they entered adulthood, but they apparently got on well.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That would have been Indra, she did that a lot apparently. She arrived at Auckland Zoo as a three year old and there’s footage and photographs of her in with keepers. She was very humanised compared to her daughter, Intan, who was much more private.

Dara was the eldest (at six years) upon import and must have been quite shy as I recall comments on the zoo about how her antenatal care (with Darli) was very hands off. Had she been a more confident/forceful personality, she may have clashed with Indra as they entered adulthood, but they apparently got on well.

Zoo staff have told me that when Indra was at Auckland Zoo, she was very similar to the famous Amber of Louisville Zoo, always curious about what visitors and volunteers were doing and wanting to see what was in people's bags. As far as clashing with other females, I think Indra could have ended up clashing with Gangsa and Wanita further down the track, but as far as I know she was never housed with them.

Three years old seems awfully young for an orangutan to be separated from their mother. I recall Charlie came here at about the same age and wondered about that too - his mother Girlie did go on to have other offspring after Charlie, so I often wondered if he was sent away because his mother had a new infant.

 

[Zoofan15]

Zoo staff have told me that when Indra was at Auckland Zoo, she was very similar to the famous Amber of Louisville Zoo, always curious about what visitors and volunteers were doing and wanting to see what was in people's bags. As far as clashing with other females, I think Indra could have ended up clashing with Gangsa and Wanita further down the track, but as far as I know she was never housed with them.

Three years old seems awfully young for an orangutan to be separated from their mother. I recall Charlie came here at about the same age and wondered about that too - his mother Girlie did go on to have other offspring after Charlie, so I often wondered if he was sent away because his mother had a new infant.

The three females from Taronga Zoo (Wanita, Melur and Gangsa) were first introduced to Horst; with a full integration into the colony achieved by the end of 2001. Indra, Intan, Isim, Wanita, Melur and Gangsa were housed together; with Horst and Charlie rotating access to this group on fortnightly basis. Isim was apparently excited by the new arrivals, being a playful seven year old juvenile.

A comment made by keepers regarding conflicts noted Indra had a strong personality; but Wanita had a fiery temper and even Indra would get out of her way when she was in one of her moods.

In March 2005, Indra and Intan were removed from the remain colony (along with Horst) to live in the old chimpanzee exhibit. Had they remained with Wanita, Melur and Gangsa, conflicts may have arisen. That said, Gangsa’s jealousy of sharing Charlie was a key factor; whereas Indra and Intan preferred Horst.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The three females from Taronga Zoo (Wanita, Melur and Gangsa) were first introduced to Horst; with a full integration into the colony achieved by the end of 2001. Indra, Intan, Isim, Wanita, Melur and Gangsa were housed together; with Horst and Charlie rotating access to this group on fortnightly basis. Isim was apparently excited by the new arrivals, being a playful seven year old juvenile.

A comment made by keepers regarding conflicts noted Indra had a strong personality; but Wanita had a fiery temper and even Indra would get out of her way when she was in one of her moods.

In March 2005, Indra and Intan were removed from the remain colony (along with Horst) to live in the old chimpanzee exhibit. Had they remained with Wanita, Melur and Gangsa, conflicts may have arisen. That said, Gangsa’s jealousy of sharing Charlie was a key factor; whereas Indra and Intan preferred Horst.

Thanks for this! It's interesting to know that all of them have very distinct personalities. I do agree that there could have been further conflicts down the line, especially with Wanita involved.

I will be intrigued to see how the dynamics in the new colony develop. Our current orangutans seem very relaxed and easy-going compared to the old colony, so all my hopes are for a positive outcome!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this! It's interesting to know that all of them have very distinct personalities. I do agree that there could have been further conflicts down the line, especially with Wanita involved.

I will be intrigued to see how the dynamics in the new colony develop. Our current orangutans seem very relaxed and easy-going compared to the old colony, so all my hopes are for a positive outcome!

I think it’s no coincidence that the two main troublemakers in Auckland’s old colony had no offspring of their own. Indra, who spent the 1990’s and early 2000’s pre-occupied with her two offspring was apparently overwhelming by the male attention, which was heightened after the death of Dara. The zoo hoped bringing in additional females would take the pressure off. Melur similarly is tolerant of Charlie, but likes her space away from him, never more so than when she has an infant like now.

Compare this to Wanita and Gangsa, neither who had offspring to divert their attention; and the latter who craved attention from Charlie.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I think it’s no coincidence that the two main troublemakers in Auckland’s old colony had no offspring of their own. Indra, who spent the 1990’s and early 2000’s pre-occupied with her two offspring was apparently overwhelming by the male attention, which was heightened after the death of Dara. The zoo hoped bringing in additional females would take the pressure off. Melur similarly is tolerant of Charlie, but likes her space away from him, never more so than when she has an infant like now.

Compare this to Wanita and Gangsa, neither who had offspring to divert their attention; and the latter who craved attention from Charlie.

Very true. I do believe that if Gangsa had given birth to an infant, her interest in Charlie would have waned somewhat, as Melur's has with the birth of Bahmi. It will be interesting to see how Daya impacts the colony's dynamics in the long term.

From what I've been told by those who knew her well, Wanita was a feisty and independent individual. She did seem to show a softer side during her play with Madju, and it was a pity that she was not able to go on to have a similar relationship with young Bahmi.

 

[Zoofan15]

Very true. I do believe that if Gangsa had given birth to an infant, her interest in Charlie would have waned somewhat, as Melur's has with the birth of Bahmi. It will be interesting to see how Daya impacts the colony's dynamics in the long term.

From what I've been told by those who knew her well, Wanita was a feisty and independent individual. She did seem to show a softer side during her play with Madju, and it was a pity that she was not able to go on to have a similar relationship with young Bahmi.

It appears Wanita had an affinity for juveniles as she was housed in a pair with her then juvenile sister, Willow, at Taronga Zoo in the early 1990’s; and then with Melur and Gangsa, when they were imported from Hong Kong Zoo at the age of seven and six years. They formed a close knit trio and were implied to still be close upon their export to Auckland Zoo in 2001. They were introduced to Horst as a trio, so they’d have each other for support.

It’s interesting to note Indra and Intan’s preference for Charlie over Horst; and conversely, Gangsa’s obsession with Charlie. By 1999/2000, Charlie was a fully flanged male in his late teens; but photos from earlier that decade show him as an adolescent without the developed cheek flanges. Three years older, Horst would have been more developed (and therefore attractive to the females) and his attention likely reciprocated; whereas Charlie was perceived as a nuisance. By the time the Sydney females arrived, Charlie was in his prime and his attention was diverted across several females.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It appears Wanita had an affinity for juveniles as she was housed in a pair with her then juvenile sister, Willow, at Taronga Zoo in the early 1990’s; and then with Melur and Gangsa, when they were imported from Hong Kong Zoo at the age of seven and six years. They formed a close knit trio and were implied to still be close upon their export to Auckland Zoo in 2001. They were introduced to Horst as a trio, so they’d have each other for support.

It’s interesting to note Indra and Intan’s preference for Charlie over Horst; and conversely, Gangsa’s obsession with Charlie. By 1999/2000, Charlie was a fully flanged male in his late teens; but photos from earlier that decade show him as an adolescent without the developed cheek flanges. Three years older, Horst would have been more developed (and therefore attractive to the females) and his attention likely reciprocated; whereas Charlie was perceived as a nuisance. By the time the Sydney females arrived, Charlie was in his prime and his attention was diverted across several females.

All very interesting! It's a pity that Horst's only surviving offspring is Isim, as he got off to a promising start by siring 3 healthy infants.

I think Wanita's temperament may have mellowed a bit in her later years, as she would often sit by Charlie on one of the towers while pregnant Melur preferred the tree nest, and Melur would often groom her in front of the viewing window.

 

[Zoofan15]

All very interesting! It's a pity that Horst's only surviving offspring is Isim, as he got off to a promising start by siring 3 healthy infants.

I think Wanita's temperament may have mellowed a bit in her later years, as she would often sit by Charlie on one of the towers while pregnant Melur preferred the tree nest, and Melur would often groom her in front of the viewing window.

Indeed. It’s worth noting the plan was clearly for Horst’s eldest son, Datuk, to breed with Melur and Gangsa at Taronga Zoo. Due to the number of hybrids still remaining at Taronga upon his import in 1996, they may have chosen to wait a few years; but I think it’s a shame they didn’t import Isim in his place and grow their colony through that trio (Isim, Melur and Gangsa).

Taronga importing Isim would have alleviated pressure on Auckland’s colony, which following the downsizing of plans for two exhibits to one in 1987, subsequently had to rotate their males. Now they have two exhibits, I really hope an integration of the Siamangs can be achieved so we can see a larger number of orangutans held at Auckland Zoo. At a minimum, I’m hopeful of six (Charlie, Melur, Daya, Bahmi and an additional infant to each female); but how great would an additional grouping be!

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Indeed. It’s worth noting the plan was clearly for Horst’s eldest son, Datuk, to breed with Melur and Gangsa at Taronga Zoo. Due to the number of hybrids still remaining at Taronga upon his import in 1996, they may have chosen to wait a few years; but I think it’s a shame they didn’t import Isim in his place and grow their colony through that trio (Isim, Melur and Gangsa).

Taronga importing Isim would have alleviated pressure on Auckland’s colony, which following the downsizing of plans for two exhibits to one in 1987, subsequently had to rotate their males. Now they have two exhibits, I really hope an integration of the Siamangs can be achieved so we can see a larger number of orangutans held at Auckland Zoo. At a minimum, I’m hopeful of six (Charlie, Melur, Daya, Bahmi and an additional infant to each female); but how great would an additional grouping be!

All very interesting! I would personally love to see more orangutans, whether it's due to our current colony producing infants, and/or a second group being established.

 

[Zoofan15]

All very interesting! I would personally love to see more orangutans, whether it's due to our current colony producing infants, and/or a second group being established.

With Bahmi turning two next month, we could optimistically expect another infant from Melur in three years time (2027). Within that timeframe, Daya would hopefully welcome her first infant. Hopefully at least one of those infants would be female, which would give Auckland Zoo a base of at least three females to form a colony around going forward (taking into account Melur will be post reproductive within the decade).

Bahmi would be related to all females bar Daya, so a new male would ideally be brought in when Charlie passes on. Any female infants then born to the new male and Daya would be unrelated to Bahmi and a potential mate for him, should the zoo wish to retain him to establish a second group.

Obviously this all depends on the success on integrating the orangutans with the Siamang; and as observed with the previous colony, some combinations worked well while others fought.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

With Bahmi turning two next month, we could optimistically expect another infant from Melur in three years time (2027). Within that timeframe, Daya would hopefully welcome her first infant. Hopefully at least one of those infants would be female, which would give Auckland Zoo a base of at least three females to form a colony around going forward (taking into account Melur will be post reproductive within the decade).

Bahmi would be related to all females bar Daya, so a new male would ideally be brought in when Charlie passes on. Any female infants then born to the new male and Daya would be unrelated to Bahmi and a potential mate for him, should the zoo wish to retain him to establish a second group.

Obviously this all depends on the success on integrating the orangutans with the Siamang; and as observed with the previous colony, some combinations worked well while others fought.

It's my fondest wish that the zoo retains Bahmi, but would see the logic of transferring him out if both Melur and Daya produced female infants. However, I do like the idea of establishing a second orangutan group and hope that Auckland Zoo would consider that option, given the endangered status and great popularity of orangutans.

As you've said, though, it will depend on successful siamang introductions, which have hit a few snags mainly due to the teasing antics of male siamang Intan (female Kera appears more easy-going with the orangutans and usually stays out of their way). Perhaps the siamang pair will settle down in time, or perhaps Intan and Kera will be transferred elsewhere and Auckland will source a breeding siamang pair.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's my fondest wish that the zoo retains Bahmi, but would see the logic of transferring him out if both Melur and Daya produced female infants. However, I do like the idea of establishing a second orangutan group and hope that Auckland Zoo would consider that option, given the endangered status and great popularity of orangutans.

As you've said, though, it will depend on successful siamang introductions, which have hit a few snags mainly due to the teasing antics of male siamang Intan (female Kera appears more easy-going with the orangutans and usually stays out of their way). Perhaps the siamang pair will settle down in time, or perhaps Intan and Kera will be transferred elsewhere and Auckland will source a breeding siamang pair.

I feel like Auckland Zoo’s great ape complex is greatly under-utilised by housing a non-breeding pair of Siamang in one half of it. Unless they’re going to swap out their pair of Siamang for a breeding pair, the complex would be put to better use housing an additional group of orangutans. Combined with the off display dens, Auckland Zoo could easily accomodate two groups of orangutans. The exhibits are a decent size and the aerial pathway increases the space available to them to seek solitude if they require it.

Hypothetically, the first exhibit could house the current grouping (Charlie, Melur, Daya, Bahmi), which will hopefully welcome 1-2 infants over the next few years; with the second exhibit holding a new breeding pair. The male of this pair could then switch with Bahmi as he approaches breeding age (to replace Charlie as the breeding male of the current group). If the new breeding pair were to produce a daughter, that would give Bahmi a pair of females to live/breed with. During that time, it’d be ideal if a second regional holder such as Taronga came onboard as more male infants are inevitable.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I feel like Auckland Zoo’s great ape complex is greatly under-utilised by housing a non-breeding pair of Siamang in one half of it. Unless they’re going to swap out their pair of Siamang for a breeding pair, the complex would be put to better use housing an additional group of orangutans. Combined with the off display dens, Auckland Zoo could easily accomodate two groups of orangutans. The exhibits are a decent size and the aerial pathway increases the space available to them to seek solitude if they require it.

Hypothetically, the first exhibit could house the current grouping (Charlie, Melur, Daya, Bahmi), which will hopefully welcome 1-2 infants over the next few years; with the second exhibit holding a new breeding pair. The male of this pair could then switch with Bahmi as he approaches breeding age (to replace Charlie as the breeding male of the current group). If the new breeding pair were to produce a daughter, that would give Bahmi a pair of females to live/breed with. During that time, it’d be ideal if a second regional holder such as Taronga came onboard as more male infants are inevitable.

This makes sense. As fond as I am of Intan and Kera, swapping them out for a breeding siamang pair would make better use of the space available, but then again, so would a second group of orangutans. Several zoos in New Zealand are holders of siamang and there has been successful breeding, but Auckland is the only holder of orangutans and I would love to see a second Bornean colony established.

 

[Zoofan15]

This makes sense. As fond as I am of Intan and Kera, swapping them out for a breeding siamang pair would make better use of the space available, but then again, so would a second group of orangutans. Several zoos in New Zealand are holders of siamang and there has been successful breeding, but Auckland is the only holder of orangutans and I would love to see a second Bornean colony established.

When the Orangutan Park opened in 1987, it was Auckland Zoo’s first exhibit to cost over $1 million and despite not opening in its full intended glory of two exhibits and two night houses, it was a huge attraction that was never more popular than when there were infants or juveniles in the colony.

There’s so many benefits to Auckland Zoo holding a larger colony. The more orangutans they have on exhibit, the more likely visitors are to see something happening at every point and turn. Some will be up on the aerial pathway; others will be in the trees in the exhibit; another will be at the viewing window.

It will also contribute to a more sustainable regional population. Auckland’s original import of 2.2 in 1983-1984 could have theoretically sustained the zoo to this day with increased breeding.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

When the Orangutan Park opened in 1987, it was Auckland Zoo’s first exhibit to cost over $1 million and despite not opening in its full intended glory of two exhibits and two night houses, it was a huge attraction that was never more popular than when there were infants or juveniles in the colony.

There’s so many benefits to Auckland Zoo holding a larger colony. The more orangutans they have on exhibit, the more likely visitors are to see something happening at every point and turn. Some will be up on the aerial pathway; others will be in the trees in the exhibit; another will be at the viewing window.

It will also contribute to a more sustainable regional population. Auckland’s original import of 2.2 in 1983-1984 could have theoretically sustained the zoo to this day with increased breeding.

It would be amazing if Auckland Zoo could do something like you've outlined with their orangutan exhibit. Since the zoo will no longer hold elephants going forward, great apes and big cats are likely to be its biggest attractions, as they often are for other zoos. This of course will mean orangutans and Sumatran tigers will pull the biggest crowds and Auckland would do well to capitalize on their popularity, as it will lead to the conservation message being more far-reaching.

 

[Abbey]

It would be great for Auckland Zoo to have two groups of orangutans; however, I can see at the same time how they might want to give the animals they have fullest access to the exhibit space and aerial pathways, and that could be restricted with two adult males which would need to be separated from each other.

I've never been to Auckland Zoo, so I'd be keen to hear from you two as Auckland is your home zoo, how that might work. If the orangutans and siamangs could be integrated permanently (if they're not already), then it gives both the orangs and the siamangs more choice and freedom of how they utilise the ape exhibits.

 

[Zoofan15]

It would be amazing if Auckland Zoo could do something like you've outlined with their orangutan exhibit. Since the zoo will no longer hold elephants going forward, great apes and big cats are likely to be its biggest attractions, as they often are for other zoos. This of course will mean orangutans and Sumatran tigers will pull the biggest crowds and Auckland would do well to capitalize on their popularity, as it will lead to the conservation message being more far-reaching.

It would be great for Auckland Zoo to have two groups of orangutans; however, I can see at the same time how they might want to give the animals they have fullest access to the exhibit space and aerial pathways, and that could be restricted with two adult males which would need to be separated from each other.

I've never been to Auckland Zoo, so I'd be keen to hear from you two as Auckland is your home zoo, how that might work. If the orangutans and siamangs could be integrated permanently (if they're not already), then it gives both the orangs and the siamangs more choice and freedom of how they utilise the ape exhibits.

The aerial pathway is linked to both exhibits, so a decision is made ahead of opening which exhibit/species will have access to it when the zoo opens. From what I’ve observed, the aerial pathway is regarded as a novelty. The apes don’t know when they’re gonna get access to it (or how long for, as they can switch access throughout the day). Not only is this more enriching for them (predictability leads to boredom), it encourages them to use it when they have the chance. If it were available all day, every day, they’d no doubt tire of it. With this in mind, I think housing two groups would create excellent enrichment for the orangutans. A male would head up each group, which would initially be Charlie and an imported male; with Bahmi taking the place of the imported male long term, who in turn would head up Charlie’s group upon his passing.

It’s difficult to say whether the Siamang could be integrated long term as there’s likely to be orangutan infants in the future, which complicates the process (makes mothers more protective etc). While it’s a nice concept of having two ape species for compare and contrast etc. I honestly think the zoo need to consider their value to the collection versus the attraction a large orangutan colony would bring.

Auckland Zoo’s Sumatran tiger complex is an excellent example of the zoo dedicating maximum resources to a high profile species, which is paying off dividends. The complex is a massive attraction and by making the effort to import a young, genetically valuable breeding pair, the complex will be a hive of activity over the next decade. Auckland Zoo have the opportunity to replicate this success by fully utilising the ape complex by housing a second group in the second exhibit. It’s interesting to note that even 100 years ago, this was identified as the best formula. Ahead of opening, Auckland Zoo’s most costly exhibits were the polar bear pit, the lion pit and the elephant house. They remained the three most popular exhibits throughout much of the 20th century and were still in use until 1990, 1995 and 2018 respectively. It’s not difficult to imagine the Sumatran tiger and ape complex having a similar lifespan.