Australasian Orangutan Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

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.

Although I am very fond of our siamang pair, I do agree that the space available in the ape complex would be better utilized by a larger orangutan colony. So far, Auckland Zoo have done an amazing job with the whole South East Asia Jungle Track, which in my opinion is definitely the jewel in the zoo's crown. Especially the aerial pathways and the Swamp Forest.

I too think that the orangutans and tigers are going to generate popular interest for a long time to come. So, making the best possible use of these habitats is in Auckland's long-term best interests.

 

[Zoofan15]

Although I am very fond of our siamang pair, I do agree that the space available in the ape complex would be better utilized by a larger orangutan colony. So far, Auckland Zoo have done an amazing job with the whole South East Asia Jungle Track, which in my opinion is definitely the jewel in the zoo's crown. Especially the aerial pathways and the Swamp Forest.

I too think that the orangutans and tigers are going to generate popular interest for a long time to come. So, making the best possible use of these habitats is in Auckland's long-term best interests.

It’ll be interesting to see what direction the Sumatran orangutan breeding programme takes. It’s been 12 years since the region last welcomed a Sumatran orangutan infant and none of the four holders are in a position to breed. Melbourne and Perth have confirmed their interests in continuing with the species and there’s no reason to believe Adelaide or Sydney will phase them out; but it wouldn’t surprise me to see any new holders (Taronga, Orana etc) consider importing Bornean orangutans.

In the meantime, Auckland establishing themselves as the regional breeding hub will only strengthen the position of the species long term. They’re a long lived species and a founder base of 2.2 can potentially sustain the colony for decades as the initial imports in 1983-1984 could have done; and therefore with Charlie, Melur and Daya in place, the addition of a further male (and ideally a third female) would enable them to continue for 30-40 years.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’ll be interesting to see what direction the Sumatran orangutan breeding programme takes. It’s been 12 years since the region last welcomed a Sumatran orangutan infant and none of the four holders are in a position to breed. Melbourne and Perth have confirmed their interests in continuing with the species and there’s no reason to believe Adelaide or Sydney will phase them out; but it wouldn’t surprise me to see any new holders (Taronga, Orana etc) consider importing Bornean orangutans.

In the meantime, Auckland establishing themselves as the regional breeding hub will only strengthen the position of the species long term. They’re a long lived species and a founder base of 2.2 can potentially sustain the colony for decades as the initial imports in 1983-1984 could have done; and therefore with Charlie, Melur and Daya in place, the addition of a further male (and ideally a third female) would enable them to continue for 30-40 years.

I'd heard that Perth Zoo put their orangutan breeding programme on hold while undertaking extensive renovations to the apes' habitat, (including aerial pathways similar to Auckland Zoo's) but that they do intend to resume breeding in the future. I haven't heard any further updates since then or how far along these developments are.

And I would love to see Auckland become the breeding hub for Bornean orangutans, even if other Australasian zoos decide to hold the species. I feel that Auckland has one of the best great ape habitats I've ever seen, and that, if Auckland makes optimum use of the space available, they could establish one of the most successful orangutan breeding colonies in the world.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'd heard that Perth Zoo put their orangutan breeding programme on hold while undertaking extensive renovations to the apes' habitat, (including aerial pathways similar to Auckland Zoo's) but that they do intend to resume breeding in the future. I haven't heard any further updates since then or how far along these developments are.

And I would love to see Auckland become the breeding hub for Bornean orangutans, even if other Australasian zoos decide to hold the species. I feel that Auckland has one of the best great ape habitats I've ever seen, and that, if Auckland makes optimum use of the space available, they could establish one of the most successful orangutan breeding colonies in the world.

That’s correct. Perth’s masterplan is progressing, but when I asked last year I was told the orangutan renovations would still be another 2-3 years away. It appears they’re working towards a slimmed down colony, so I’m wondering if the future of their breeding programme will involve breeding Dinar with Sekara (1990) and Teliti (2009); with the other two young females (Pulang and Lestari) transferring out. They’re genetic matches for either Malu at Melbourne or Kluet at Adelaide (the latter of which is housed with an elderly female). Sungai I anticipate will transfer to Sydney Zoo to replace Santan upon his eventual passing.

Spoiler: Perth Zoo’s Orangutan Colony (2024)

1.0 Dinar (06/03/1987) Imported 2004

0.1 Puteri (12/06/1970) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Teliti (20/10/2009) Hsing Hsing x Puteri

0.1 Utama (19/06/1979) Atjeh x Puteri

0.1 Sekara (20/07/1990) Hsing Hsing x Puspa

0.1 Pulang (21/12/1993) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Lestari (09/01/2012) Hsing Hsing x Pulang

1.0 Sungai (30/12/2011) Dinar x Sekara

Last I heard, these were the groupings; however given her age, Teliti may now be living independently from her mother.

Re. Auckland Zoo: I agree. With two exhibits (and the import of an additional 1.0 or 1.1), they have the potential to become self-sufficient for decades without further imports required. They have genetically valuable individuals, so export of male offspring won’t be a challenge. In the meantime, any additional regional holders are a bonus.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That’s correct. Perth’s masterplan is progressing, but when I asked last year I was told the orangutan renovations would still be another 2-3 years away. It appears they’re working towards a slimmed down colony, so I’m wondering if the future of their breeding programme will involve breeding Dinar with Sekara (1990) and Teliti (2009); with the other two young females (Pulang and Lestari) transferring out. They’re genetic matches for either Malu at Melbourne or Kluet at Adelaide (the latter of which is housed with an elderly female). Sungai I anticipate will transfer to Sydney Zoo to replace Santan upon his eventual passing.

Spoiler: Perth Zoo’s Orangutan Colony (2024)

1.0 Dinar (06/03/1987) Imported 2004

0.1 Puteri (12/06/1970) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Teliti (20/10/2009) Hsing Hsing x Puteri

0.1 Utama (19/06/1979) Atjeh x Puteri

0.1 Sekara (20/07/1990) Hsing Hsing x Puspa

0.1 Pulang (21/12/1993) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Lestari (09/01/2012) Hsing Hsing x Pulang

1.0 Sungai (30/12/2011) Dinar x Sekara

Last I heard, these were the groupings; however given her age, Teliti may now be living independently from her mother.

Re. Auckland Zoo: I agree. With two exhibits (and the import of an additional 1.0 or 1.1), they have the potential to become self-sufficient for decades without further imports required. They have genetically valuable individuals, so export of male offspring won’t be a challenge. In the meantime, any additional regional holders are a bonus.

Thanks for the update! Ideally, re: Perth, I'd like to see both Pulang and Lestari transfer out, and one be paired with Kluet and the other with Malu to give both males a chance at breeding (@marmolady would probably know better than I who would be more compatible with who). It would be very desirable for Kluet in particular to sire offspring.

It would be a good idea for Auckland to reassess the value of holding siamang if integrating our current pair with the orangutans proves to be an ongoing problem, and to concentrate on a larger orangutan colony. There are several young males who in Europe and the USA who will be coming up to the age of dispersal, and any of these could be a replacement for Charlie when he eventually passes (although hopefully he will survive a while to sire at least 2 infants, one to Melur and one to Daya). Wakil at Toledo Zoo, coincidentally, is one such young male, although I very much doubt he will be selected for Auckland due to him being the maternal half-brother of Melur (although he is completely unrelated to Daya).

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the update! Ideally, re: Perth, I'd like to see both Pulang and Lestari transfer out, and one be paired with Kluet and the other with Malu to give both males a chance at breeding (@marmolady would probably know better than I who would be more compatible with who). It would be very desirable for Kluet in particular to sire offspring.

It would be a good idea for Auckland to reassess the value of holding siamang if integrating our current pair with the orangutans proves to be an ongoing problem, and to concentrate on a larger orangutan colony. There are several young males who in Europe and the USA who will be coming up to the age of dispersal, and any of these could be a replacement for Charlie when he eventually passes (although hopefully he will survive a while to sire at least 2 infants, one to Melur and one to Daya). Wakil at Toledo Zoo, coincidentally, is one such young male, although I very much doubt he will be selected for Auckland due to him being the maternal half-brother of Melur (although he is completely unrelated to Daya).

To my knowledge, Pulang and Lestari are still living together. Therefore this could prove an opportunity to house two females in a cohesive grouping, at least for the time being. With that in mind, I wouldn’t seperate them unless conflict necessitated it. Additionally, Kluet (Adelaide), Malu (Melbourne) and Dewi (Sydney) are from the same bloodline so pairing each with an orangutan from the Atjeh-Puan line would be repetitious.

Kluet is a fully mature male with experience of living with multiple adult females (some with strong personalities). With this in mind, I’d say he would be the better choice to be integrated with the mother/daughter duo; with the younger, playful Malu more compatible with a young female, ideally imported from Europe (and unrelated to the exisiting bloodlines in the region).

If Auckland were to import an additional male, it’d be ideal if he was unrelated to Charlie, Melur and Daya. That said, Auckland originally founded their colony with 2.2 orangutans with Horst and Dara being half-siblings. Having seen the original plans for two exhibits, I often wonder if the plan was to house Horst and Indra in one exhibit and Charlie and Dara in the other. Horst sired Indra’s two offspring through a combination of circumstance (Charlie being immature when Intan was conceived) and it being Horst’s turn with the females when Isim was conceived; though they went to lengths to ensure Dara bred with Charlie the second time around due to them being an unrelated pair. Charlie and Intan were a viable pairing; and had she survived, Darli could have been bred with Horst (or Isim).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

To my knowledge, Pulang and Lestari are still living together. Therefore this could prove an opportunity to house two females in a cohesive grouping, at least for the time being. With that in mind, I wouldn’t seperate them unless conflict necessitated it. Additionally, Kluet (Adelaide), Malu (Melbourne) and Dewi (Sydney) are from the same bloodline so pairing each with an orangutan from the Atjeh-Puan line would be repetitious.

Kluet is a fully mature male with experience of living with multiple adult females (some with strong personalities). With this in mind, I’d say he would be the better choice to be integrated with the mother/daughter duo; with the younger, playful Malu more compatible with a young female, ideally imported from Europe (and unrelated to the exisiting bloodlines in the region).

If Auckland were to import an additional male, it’d be ideal if he was unrelated to Charlie, Melur and Daya. That said, Auckland originally founded their colony with 2.2 orangutans with Horst and Dara being half-siblings. Having seen the original plans for two exhibits, I often wonder if the plan was to house Horst and Indra in one exhibit and Charlie and Dara in the other. Horst sired Indra’s two offspring through a combination of circumstance (Charlie being immature when Intan was conceived) and it being Horst’s turn with the females when Isim was conceived; though they went to lengths to ensure Dara bred with Charlie the second time around due to them being an unrelated pair. Charlie and Intan were a viable pairing; and had she survived, Darli could have been bred with Horst (or Isim).

Good points, if Pulang and Lestari are still living together, perhaps sending them both to Kluet might be the better option. If I remember correctly, he is valued somewhat more than Malu, although another female could be sourced for Malu in due course, depending on what happens with Gabby.

It was indeed a shame that Intan (though she did grow to adulthood) and Darli never survived to become part of the breeding programme, due to their high genetic value.

 

[Zoofan15]

Good points, if Pulang and Lestari are still living together, perhaps sending them both to Kluet might be the better option. If I remember correctly, he is valued somewhat more than Malu, although another female could be sourced for Malu in due course, depending on what happens with Gabby.

It was indeed a shame that Intan (though she did grow to adulthood) and Darli never survived to become part of the breeding programme, due to their high genetic value.

Yes, Kluet is more gentically valuable than Malu. They are related as follows: Timor (1975) and Kluet (1995) are full siblings. Timor is the mother of Maimunah (1986), who is the mother of Malu (2003) and Dewi (2010).

For now, I imagine Melbourne Zoo will be happy to continue to house Malu and Gabby (without bringing more orangutans in); but a much anticipated expansion following the departure of the elephants would afford them the space to expand. Aside from reaffirming the zoo’s long term commitment to Sumatran orangutans to @NathanTheAsian (as opposed to switching to Bornean), keepers were unable to confirm whether future breeding would be undertaken with Malu or a new pair.

Had Taronga Zoo imported Isim to take Datuk’s place and formed a colony around Isim, Melur and Gangsa; then I think it’s a possibility that Auckland Zoo would have bred Charlie and Intan. The addition of two more adolescent females to Auckland’s colony in 2001 effectively scuppered Intan’s chances of breeding. Madju’s birth in 2005 was unplanned and it’s possible Melur’s stillborn daughter (2002) was too since the sire was unknown (unless the zoo were happy for either of the adult males to sire her offspring during their fortnightly rotation).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, Kluet is more gentically valuable than Malu. They are related as follows: Timor (1975) and Kluet (1995) are full siblings. Timor is the mother of Maimunah (1986), who is the mother of Malu (2003) and Dewi (2010).

For now, I imagine Melbourne Zoo will be happy to continue to house Malu and Gabby (without bringing more orangutans in); but a much anticipated expansion following the departure of the elephants would afford them the space to expand. Aside from reaffirming the zoo’s long term commitment to Sumatran orangutans to @NathanTheAsian (as opposed to switching to Bornean), keepers were unable to confirm whether future breeding would be undertaken with Malu or a new pair.

Had Taronga Zoo imported Isim to take Datuk’s place and formed a colony around Isim, Melur and Gangsa; then I think it’s a possibility that Auckland Zoo would have bred Charlie and Intan. The addition of two more adolescent females to Auckland’s colony in 2001 effectively scuppered Intan’s chances of breeding. Madju’s birth in 2005 was unplanned and it’s possible Melur’s stillborn daughter (2002) was too since the sire was unknown (unless the zoo were happy for either of the adult males to sire her offspring during their fortnightly rotation).

Hopefully, in that case, when a breeding programme for Sumatran orangutans resumes in Australia, priority will be given to breeding from Kluet.

It's interesting to think about what might have been with the orangutan colony if Isim had been exported, as you've pointed out, or if Darli had survived, or if the orangutans exported to Busch Gardens and LA Zoo had been retained at Auckland. I often wonder what the dynamics of the colony would look like now!

 

[Zoofan15]

Hopefully, in that case, when a breeding programme for Sumatran orangutans resumes in Australia, priority will be given to breeding from Kluet.

It's interesting to think about what might have been with the orangutan colony if Isim had been exported, as you've pointed out, or if Darli had survived, or if the orangutans exported to Busch Gardens and LA Zoo had been retained at Auckland. I often wonder what the dynamics of the colony would look like now!

Datuk (1989) died in 1998, so I imagine had the plan been to send Isim (1994) to take his place, that would have happened around 2002-2004, when Isim reached adolescence. The game changer was likely the death of Dara (1977) and Darli (2000) in 2000. Instead of Taronga importing a Bornean male, the decision was made for them to export their two Bornean females. It fulfilled Auckland’s wish for more females and meant all Bornean orangutans in the region were managed at one facility. Taronga subsequently imported a purebred Sumatran male in 2003, indicating an intention to switch to that species (which also never came to fruition).

When the old chimpanzee exhibit became available in 2005, it solved a decade and a half problem of having to rotate Horst and Charlie’s access to one exhibit. It’s ironic that at this time, it became necessary to seperate Charlie and Isim. Had the latter gone to Taronga, they could have continued with two groupings.

The failure of Isim and Gangsa to produce a surviving infant in the US suggests that’s their export has been of little consequence to Auckland’s breeding programme; though Isim (unrelated to Charlie, Melur and Daya) could have been the theoretical fourth male we’ve discussed with regards to the future of the zoo’s colony. Female offspring from him and Daya could provide a mate for Bahmi in years to come.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Datuk (1989) died in 1998, so I imagine had the plan been to send Isim (1994) to take his place, that would have happened around 2002-2004, when Isim reached adolescence. The game changer was likely the death of Dara (1977) and Darli (2000) in 2000. Instead of Taronga importing a Bornean male, the decision was made for them to export their two Bornean females. It fulfilled Auckland’s wish for more females and meant all Bornean orangutans in the region were managed at one facility. Taronga subsequently imported a purebred Sumatran male in 2003, indicating an intention to switch to that species (which also never came to fruition).

When the old chimpanzee exhibit became available in 2005, it solved a decade and a half problem of having to rotate Horst and Charlie’s access to one exhibit. It’s ironic that at this time, it became necessary to seperate Charlie and Isim. Had the latter gone to Taronga, they could have continued with two groupings.

The failure of Isim and Gangsa to produce a surviving infant in the US suggests that’s their export has been of little consequence to Auckland’s breeding programme; though Isim (unrelated to Charlie, Melur and Daya) could have been the theoretical fourth male we’ve discussed with regards to the future of the zoo’s colony. Female offspring from him and Daya could provide a mate for Bahmi in years to come.

That's very interesting! It's a pity Taronga didn't continue to hold orangutans and I do hope that they will consider coming on board with Borneans in the future.

It's very sad there have been no surviving Isim x Gangsa offspring, given the genetic value of them both. I do hope that, if Gangsa does not give birth, that the breeding programme at least suggests another suitable female for Isim. At least, of Laki's offspring, Melur was able to provide two healthy sons in Madju and Bahmi, but Isim is the only surviving offspring of Horst and Indra. (I think Horst could have had more offspring, perhaps, if Luna Bella at Busch Gardens had not rejected him in favor of Madju).

 

[Zoofan15]

That's very interesting! It's a pity Taronga didn't continue to hold orangutans and I do hope that they will consider coming on board with Borneans in the future.

It's very sad there have been no surviving Isim x Gangsa offspring, given the genetic value of them both. I do hope that, if Gangsa does not give birth, that the breeding programme at least suggests another suitable female for Isim. At least, of Laki's offspring, Melur was able to provide two healthy sons in Madju and Bahmi, but Isim is the only surviving offspring of Horst and Indra. (I think Horst could have had more offspring, perhaps, if Luna Bella at Busch Gardens had not rejected him in favor of Madju).

I feel like over the past two decades, there’s been more of an emphasis on breeding Sumatran orangutans throughout the global captive population. With Bornean orangutans now upgraded to critically endangered, it stands to reason they’ll be a greater number of breeding recommendations given for this species. With this in mind, it may be to Taronga’s advantage to go into Borneans as not every Sumatran holder can breed and there’s already four facilities throughout Australia, three of which have held the species for a number of years.

Luna is expecting again, so Melur could soon have additional representation through Madju. Melur is 36 years old this year, so will hopefully have at least one more opportunity to breed around 2027.

 

[marmolady]

I think Kluet would be prioritised for pairing with a female over Malu (aside from genetic reasons) because he has no companion present. He and Puspa live separately. Kluet bonded closely with Karta in the past and really enjoyed her companionship, so I'd love to see him have the opportunity to form a close relationship again. He has a very gentle nature, so could be a good fit for a mate with a young female not yet with a lot of confidence.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I feel like over the past two decades, there’s been more of an emphasis on breeding Sumatran orangutans throughout the global captive population. With Bornean orangutans now upgraded to critically endangered, it stands to reason they’ll be a greater number of breeding recommendations given for this species. With this in mind, it may be to Taronga’s advantage to go into Borneans as not every Sumatran holder can breed and there’s already four facilities throughout Australia, three of which have held the species for a number of years.

Luna is expecting again, so Melur could soon have additional representation through Madju. Melur is 36 years old this year, so will hopefully have at least one more opportunity to breed around 2027.

I think Taronga would be the best probable secondary holder of Bornean orangutans if Auckland were to become the breeding hub in the Southern Hemisphere. Especially with the upgrade of the species to critically endangered, perhaps they should be prioritized over Sumatrans for the time being, at least in this region.

Madju and Luna Bella's infant will be very valuable indeed, especially if a female, although even another male I believe would be welcomed due to Madju's desirable genetics. I've been unable to find anything about Luna Bella's background and parentage, but I assume she must be genetically valuable if Busch Gardens were still eager to breed from her after she turned her nose up at two males that were offered to her!

 

[Zoofan15]

I think Taronga would be the best probable secondary holder of Bornean orangutans if Auckland were to become the breeding hub in the Southern Hemisphere. Especially with the upgrade of the species to critically endangered, perhaps they should be prioritized over Sumatrans for the time being, at least in this region.

Madju and Luna Bella's infant will be very valuable indeed, especially if a female, although even another male I believe would be welcomed due to Madju's desirable genetics. I've been unable to find anything about Luna Bella's background and parentage, but I assume she must be genetically valuable if Busch Gardens were still eager to breed from her after she turned her nose up at two males that were offered to her!

With the elephants leaving Taronga, there’s a great opportunity to build a large complex in this space. According to reports, this has already been identified for the construction of a great ape exhibit (species unspecified, though widely rumoured to be orangutan considering gorillas and chimpanzees are already on site).

If Taronga followed a similar formals of importing 2.2 Bornean orangutan, that would ensure trans-Tasman exchanges could take place for the few decades; with only surplus males exported to North America etc. depending on the needs of their breeding programme. I’d rather see Taronga come to the party early (within the next five years); rather than acquire Auckland stock a decade or so on and function as an off-shoot facility (limited potential for exchanges).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I think Kluet would be prioritised for pairing with a female over Malu (aside from genetic reasons) because he has no companion present. He and Puspa live separately. Kluet bonded closely with Karta in the past and really enjoyed her companionship, so I'd love to see him have the opportunity to form a close relationship again. He has a very gentle nature, so could be a good fit for a mate with a young female not yet with a lot of confidence.

@marmolady - It would be wonderful if the right companion(s) could be sourced for Kluet, considering how valuable he is. Would you think that, temperament-wise, that Pulang and Lestari would be compatible with him?

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

With the elephants leaving Taronga, there’s a great opportunity to build a large complex in this space. According to reports, this has already been identified for the construction of a great ape exhibit (species unspecified, though widely rumoured to be orangutan considering gorillas and chimpanzees are already on site).

If Taronga followed a similar formals of importing 2.2 Bornean orangutan, that would ensure trans-Tasman exchanges could take place for the few decades; with only surplus males exported to North America etc. depending on the needs of their breeding programme. I’d rather see Taronga come to the party early (within the next five years); rather than acquire Auckland stock a decade or so on and function as an off-shoot facility (limited potential for exchanges).

If it's a great ape complex, the most likely acquisition in that case would, as you've said, be orangutans and I would hope for Bornean orangutans. The other possibility is bonobo, but that is a lot less likely although I would love to see an Australasian holder of bonobo.

 

[Zoofan15]

If it's a great ape complex, the most likely acquisition in that case would, as you've said, be orangutans and I would hope for Bornean orangutans. The other possibility is bonobo, but that is a lot less likely although I would love to see an Australasian holder of bonobo.

Although it’d be great to see Bonobo in the region, it’s now recognised they do better in multiple male-female groups than monogamous pairs and their offspring, so a a large number would need to be sourced. It’s a shame as otherwise they would have appeared a natural replacement for Common chimpanzee in city zoos.

Orangutans being semi-social are ideal for city zoos, which can house anything from a pair to a colony depending on what resources/space they want to dedicate to them. With an ever-growing emphasis on mixed-species exhibits (otters), rotational exhibits (gibbons) and efficiency of space (aerial pathways), they’re the obvious choice.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Although it’d be great to see Bonobo in the region, it’s now recognised they do better in multiple male-female groups than monogamous pairs and their offspring, so a a large number would need to be sourced. It’s a shame as otherwise they would have appeared a natural replacement for Common chimpanzee in city zoos.

Orangutans being semi-social are ideal for city zoos, which can house anything from a pair to a colony depending on what resources/space they want to dedicate to them. With an ever-growing emphasis on mixed-species exhibits (otters), rotational exhibits (gibbons) and efficiency of space (aerial pathways), they’re the obvious choice.

Good points. Orangutans, especially Borneans, are very likely to be the best choice. Re bonobo, I have often idly thought it would be wonderful if a NZ zoo decided to acquire them, but it seems even less likely than them being acquired by Australia.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo orangutans' integration update!

When I arrived at the zoo on Saturday morning, all four orangutans were on the aerial pathways and making very active use of them, especially Daya. According to staff, she really loves being up there and made several rounds, making only momentary viewing stops. She was even slender enough to sit in one of the feeding baskets at the top of a pole.

Little Bahmi is also becoming more daring on the aerial pathways, traversing several sections on his own under the watchful eye of mother Melur. He even started heading out across the lake, but then stopping when he realized he'd gone further than he was comfortable with, and turned around and headed back to Melur who helped him to safety atop one of the towers.

As far as the family group's interactions with Daya are going, Melur appears to tolerate Daya and does not seem to be intervening protectively when Bahmi starts up his antics. Charlie is being, according to staff, "very respectful" towards the newcomer, perhaps because she is not yet in season. Bahmi continues his infatuation with Daya, pestering her to play with him quite frequently, and she appears to be a lot more tolerant of his presence.