Australasian Orangutan Population

[Zoofan15]

How many enclosures are the Perth Orang'utans in?

Perth Zoo has seven orangutan exhibits. Their capacity to hold a large colony is supported by the numerous dens, which means more can be held off display in addition to what you see on exhibit.

Perth’s latest post indicates Pulang and Lestari share an exhibit still, so at most the zoo currently has their eight orangutans in seven groupings. It may be less if Sungai still cohabits with Sekera.

Here’s a schematic of Perth’s exhibits:


Source: Perth Zoo Orang-utan Exhibit / iredale pedersen hook architects | ArchDaily

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

Perth Zoo has seven orangutan exhibits. Their capacity to hold a large colony is supported by the numerous dens, which means more can be held off display in addition to what you see on exhibit.

Perth’s latest post indicates Pulang and Lestari share an exhibit still, so at most the zoo currently has their eight orangutans in seven groupings. It may be less if Sungai still cohabits with Sekera.

Here’s a schematic of Perth’s exhibits:

View attachment 763428
Source: Perth Zoo Orang-utan Exhibit / iredale pedersen hook architects | ArchDaily

Thank you! Wow! I knew Perth had invested in their Orang'utans but didn't realise it was so impressive. Something for all holders to aspire to!

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Australasian Orangutan Population 2025

2024 saw the loss of Kiani at Melbourne Zoo, reducing their orangutan population to a non-breeding pair (the female is a sterilised hybrid).

Mogo and Adelaide similarly hold non-breeding pairs; and Sydney Zoo hold a non-breeding trio. Perth Zoo will not be breeding in 2025 as they’re on a breeding hiatus until renovations to their exhibit are complete.

Auckland Zoo advised in an update late last year that they hope to breed from Charlie and Daya in the future. They mentioned females don’t usually breed until 13-15 years, which will give Daya a bit more time to learn maternal skills from Melur. While I note captive females mature earlier than their wild counterparts (7-10 years), this statement nonetheless gives an indication of the zoo’s intentions around breeding. An infant when Daya is around 14 years (2026/2027) appears the most likely outcome.

Puteri turns an impressive 55 years this June. It’d be great to see her beat her mother’s record breaking 62 years one day; with Puan previously reported to be the world’s oldest verified Sumatran orangutan.

Auckland Zoo:

Bornean orangutan:

1.0 Charlie (21/03/1981) Zabu x Girlie
0.1 Melur (11/06/1988) Laki x Yasmin; Imported 1995
0.1 Daya (27/05/2012) Bako x Jewel; Imported 2023
1.0 Bahmi (20/03/2022) Charlie x Melur

Adelaide Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

1.0 Kluet (18/07/1995) Gambar x Gina; Imported 2003
0.1 Puspa (01/01/1975) Atjeh x Puan

Melbourne Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

1.0 Malu (29/07/2003) Santan x Maimunah

Hybrid orangutan:

0.1 Gabby (01/01/1990) Santan x Kiani

Mogo Zoo:

Hybrid orangutan:

1.0 Jantan (11/07/1987) Perang x Judy II
0.1 Willow (09/05/1985) Perang x Wendy

Perth Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

1.0 Dinar (06/03/1987) Dinding x Abigail; Imported 2004
0.1 Puteri (12/06/1970) Atjeh x Puan
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 Teliti (20/10/2009) Hsing Hsing x Puteri
1.0 Sungai (30/12/2011) Dinar x Sekara
0.1 Lestari (09/01/2012) Hsing Hsing x Pulang

Sydney Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

1.0 Santan (12/10/1977) Mias x Puppe; Imported 1987
0.1 Maimunah (23/05/1986) Pongo x Timor
0.1 Dewi (06/12/2010) Santan x Maimunah

Total regional population: 8.13

2.2 Bornean orangutan
5.9 Sumatran orangutan
1.2 Hybrid orangutan

Note: Year of import is year imported into the region.

Thank you for the update! Auckland Zoo's prospects look very encouraging, especially regarding Daya breeding in the future. I agree, Daya now has the opportunity to learn skills from Melur, to bond with Bahmi and also to get more used to being around Charlie (who, in terms of companionship from what I've witnessed, is still showing a stronger preference for Melur). I have been really happy to see how well Daya has integrated into the colony; not only has she formed a play-based relationship with Bahmi, but she has bonded well with Melur who will frequently sit and eat with Daya or groom her.

Auckland's wider Bornean orangutan network is also looking promising - Orangutan SSP shows that two of the Bornean infants born last year are relatives of our Auckland colony.

Stella of Busch Gardens (Madju x Luna, granddaughter of Charlie and Melur)

Akyli of Toledo Zoo (Boomer x Yasmin, maternal half-brother of Melur).

 

[marmolady]

In September, Sungai and Lestari were co-habiting. I also saw Utama and Pulang in solo enclosures, and Dinar with Teliti in a shared enclosure. It's possible the younger orangutans also spend time with their mothers as suggested by the most recent post.

 

[Elena]

Auckland's wider Bornean orangutan network is also looking promising - Orangutan SSP shows that two of the Bornean infants born last year are relatives of our Auckland colony.
Stella of Busch Gardens (Madju x Luna, granddaughter of Charlie and Melur)

Akyli of Toledo Zoo (Boomer x Yasmin, maternal half-brother of Melur).

Isim, who moved to the Los Angeles Zoo from Auckland, is on the cover of the current Winter 2025 issue of the LA Zoo member magazine, which can be read online here:

Zoo View - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

He has a breeding recommendation with both Gangsa, who moved with him to Los Angeles, and Kalim.

 

[Zoofan15]

Isim, who moved to the Los Angeles Zoo from Auckland, is on the cover of the current Winter 2025 issue of the LA Zoo member magazine, which can be read online here:

Zoo View - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

He has a breeding recommendation with both Gangsa, who moved with him to Los Angeles, and Kalim.

Thanks for sharing. It’s nice to see a recent photo of Isim (1994). He was always my favourite at Auckland Zoo and I’ve been waiting a long time to hear he’s sired his first (surviving) infant in the US.

I’m not hugely optimistic of Gangsa (1989) producing a surviving infant given her history. No infants have followed her one unsuccessful birth after several years.

Kalim (1982) has produced two infants, but given her age, it’s difficult to say what her chances of conceiving will be. Melur’s mother Yasmin (1978) produced an infant last year - nine years after the birth of her previous infant. The best option, which may eventuate if Kalim fails to conceive, could be to breed Isim with Kalim’s daughter Elka (2011); though clearly they want to give Kalim the chance to conceive first, so Elka can observe her mother raising an infant.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Isim, who moved to the Los Angeles Zoo from Auckland, is on the cover of the current Winter 2025 issue of the LA Zoo member magazine, which can be read online here:

Zoo View - Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

He has a breeding recommendation with both Gangsa, who moved with him to Los Angeles, and Kalim.

Thanks for the update - that is very good news! Isim is a very genetically valuable male - only surviving offspring of Horst and Indra - and it would be awesome to see him sire an infant with one or both of these females.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Thanks for sharing. It’s nice to see a recent photo of Isim (1994). He was always my favourite at Auckland Zoo and I’ve been waiting a long time to hear he’s sired his first (surviving) infant in the US.

I’m not hugely optimistic of Gangsa (1989) producing a surviving infant given her history. No infants have followed her one unsuccessful birth after several years.

Kalim (1982) has produced two infants, but given her age, it’s difficult to say what her chances of conceiving will be. Melur’s mother Yasmin (1978) produced an infant last year - nine years after the birth of her previous infant. The best option, which may eventuate if Kalim fails to conceive, could be to breed Isim with Kalim’s daughter Elka (2011); though clearly they want to give Kalim the chance to conceive first, so Elka can observe her mother raising an infant.

That is a lovely photo of Isim - he's become a very handsome orangutan and shows a strong resemblance to his parents. I would love to hear good news about him successfully siring a surviving infant.

Sadly, I too don't hold much hope of the mother being Gangsa, given her track record, though it would be wonderful if she did produce a "miracle baby". I think there would be more of a chance with Kalim - as you've mentioned with Yasmin, it's not unknown for older mothers to still produce offspring - or perhaps, as you've also mentioned, Elka.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I visited the Auckland Zoo orangutans on Saturday, and thought I'd share some encouraging interactions I saw between Charlie and Daya. In terms of companionship, Charlie has always shown a marked preference for Melur, which has sometimes led to Melur showing annoyance with Charlie as she is still preoccupied with her youngster, Bahmi.

Charlie was eating near the window, and willingly shared food with Daya when she came up to him. Both of them sat together and ate for quite a while, seeming very relaxed and completely at ease in each other's company (Melur and Bahmi were down at the other end of the habitat, Melur supervising while Bahmi played).

It's an encouraging sight to see Charlie and Daya getting along so well - bodes well for breeding in the future, I hope!

 

[Zoofan15]

I visited the Auckland Zoo orangutans on Saturday, and thought I'd share some encouraging interactions I saw between Charlie and Daya. In terms of companionship, Charlie has always shown a marked preference for Melur, which has sometimes led to Melur showing annoyance with Charlie as she is still preoccupied with her youngster, Bahmi.

Charlie was eating near the window, and willingly shared food with Daya when she came up to him. Both of them sat together and ate for quite a while, seeming very relaxed and completely at ease in each other's company (Melur and Bahmi were down at the other end of the habitat, Melur supervising while Bahmi played).

It's an encouraging sight to see Charlie and Daya getting along so well - bodes well for breeding in the future, I hope!

Thanks for the update.

Aside from her obvious value to the colony as a future breeding female, brining in an adolescent female has clearly been good for the culture of the group:

Daya has shown a strong affinity for infants, with Bahmi developing something of an obsession with her and frequently engaging her in play.

Charlie has gained a second reproductive aged female and clearly enjoys her companionship.

Melur meanwhile gets a break from both Charlie and Bahmi; and seems to have developed a good relationship with Daya. Melur has always been an amenable female, so I was hopeful their introductions would go smoothly.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Thanks for the update.

Aside from her obvious value to the colony as a future breeding female, brining in an adolescent female has clearly been good for the culture of the group:

Daya has shown a strong affinity for infants, with Bahmi developing something of an obsession with her and frequently engaging her in play.

Charlie has gained a second reproductive aged female and clearly enjoys her companionship.

Melur meanwhile gets a break from both Charlie and Bahmi; and seems to have developed a good relationship with Daya. Melur has always been an amenable female, so I was hopeful their introductions would go smoothly.

I agree - Daya's presence has indeed been beneficial to the colony - the respective primate teams chose well in terms of temperament all around!

As an aside, due to Daya's arrival, siamang introductions seem to have been put on hold, perhaps indefinitely. From what I've heard from volunteers, Daya seems to have little patience for male siamang Intan's antics, similar to the reaction from the late Wanita, who took a strong dislike to Intan and his challenging behaviour - Daya, however, can move a lot faster than Wanita could!

 

[Jaiden]

@The Sleepy Hippo,
The orangutans at Perth Zoo are split into four main exhibits:

1. Boardwalk Exhibit The most visible enclosure, where visitors can see orangutans up close. It features climbing structures and hammocks.

2. Behind-the-Scenes Exhibit A more private area not always visible to the public, used for breeding pairs or individuals needing separation.

3. Island Exhibit A lush, outdoor exhibit with tall climbing structures and ropes.

4. Off-Display Areas These are indoor/night dens and holding areas where orangutans can rest or receive medical care.


This setup allows flexibility for managing their orangutan groups while encouraging natural behaviors.

 

[Jambo]

@The Sleepy Hippo,
The orangutans at Perth Zoo are split into four main exhibits:

1. Boardwalk Exhibit The most visible enclosure, where visitors can see orangutans up close. It features climbing structures and hammocks.

2. Behind-the-Scenes Exhibit A more private area not always visible to the public, used for breeding pairs or individuals needing separation.

3. Island Exhibit A lush, outdoor exhibit with tall climbing structures and ropes.

4. Off-Display Areas These are indoor/night dens and holding areas where orangutans can rest or receive medical care.


This setup allows flexibility for managing their orangutan groups while encouraging natural behaviors.

From these plans it appears they have at least four exhibits on display;

Gallery of Perth Zoo Orang-utan Exhibit / iredale pedersen hook architects - 7

 

[Zoofan15]

@The Sleepy Hippo,
The orangutans at Perth Zoo are split into four main exhibits:

1. Boardwalk Exhibit The most visible enclosure, where visitors can see orangutans up close. It features climbing structures and hammocks.

2. Behind-the-Scenes Exhibit A more private area not always visible to the public, used for breeding pairs or individuals needing separation.

3. Island Exhibit A lush, outdoor exhibit with tall climbing structures and ropes.

4. Off-Display Areas These are indoor/night dens and holding areas where orangutans can rest or receive medical care.


This setup allows flexibility for managing their orangutan groups while encouraging natural behaviors.

Is this from the masterplan (future plans)?

My understanding is the orangutans at Perth are managed across these seven exhibits:

Perth Zoo Orang-utan Exhibit / iredale pedersen hook architects | ArchDaily

 

[Jaiden]

@Zoofan15, From what I believe this is from when they redesigned the Orangutan exhibit in 2015

 

[Jambo]

Is this from the masterplan (future plans)?

My understanding is the orangutans at Perth are managed across these seven exhibits:

Perth Zoo Orang-utan Exhibit / iredale pedersen hook architects | ArchDaily

View attachment 774437

Yes, I saw this whilst researching Perth's Orangutans a few years back and I was fairly sure Perth's set up was more elaborate than mentioned above. I've never visited myself, so was only basing that assumption on what I've seen/read.

The three exhibits at the back of the quarters appear to be off display, whilst the four at the front (alongside the board walk) would be on display. It really serves great purpose for breeding and being able to manage multiple groupings, rotating them on/off display as they see fit.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, I saw this whilst researching Perth's Orangutans a few years back and I was fairly sure Perth's set up was more elaborate than mentioned above. I've never visited myself, so was only basing that assumption on what I've seen/read.

The three exhibits at the back of the quarters appear to be off display, whilst the four at the front (alongside the board walk) would be on display. It really serves great purpose for breeding and being able to manage multiple groupings, rotating them on/off display as they see fit.

I visited in 2016 and recall seeing multiple exhibits from the boardwalk (I think four); with other orangutans visible in the towers further back. The complex was impressive in that it allowed a colony to be held (while respecting their preference for space), but from a visitor perspective, it wasn’t as viewer friendly as other exhibits I’ve seen at other zoos.

 

[Zoofan15]

Update on Charlie (Auckland Zoo):

An update on Charlie (Auckland Zoo’s male Bornean orangutan), who turns 44 years old today. The accompanying video on socials notes that the life expectancy of this species is 45-50 years and Charlie has slowed down a lot in the past year. Respiratory disease in the leading cause of mortality in adult orangutans and Charlie is therefore being monitored, with signs so far looking good.

With this in mind, I really hope they don’t delay breeding Charlie and Daya much longer.

From socials:

Today is orangutan Charlie’s 44th birthday! Charlie has been an essential part of our Zoo family since 1984 – arriving from Singapore Zoo when he was just three years old – and is beloved by our keepers and visitors alike.

He has an amazing relationship with our primate keepers, some who have known Charlie for more than half their lives! These intelligent apes can live well into their fifties, with a lifespan usually into their forties.

As Charlie continues to age, his care plan will evolve to support his mobility, comfort and overall wellbeing. Regularly monitoring animal health is critically important, and our keepers engage Charlie in positive reinforcement training each week.

In this video, you’ll see how he positions himself by raising his arms and holding still against the plate while the X-ray is taken. These regular scans allow our keepers and vets to closely monitor his respiratory health.

“We feel incredibly lucky to have Charlie with us for over 41 years and are so grateful for the opportunity to care for him”, says Amy, our deputy curator of mammals. Come and visit Charlie and his son Bahmi to celebrate their birthdays with us this week!"

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Update on Charlie (Auckland Zoo):

An update on Charlie (Auckland Zoo’s male Bornean orangutan), who turns 44 years old today. The accompanying video on socials notes that the life expectancy of this species is 45-50 years and Charlie has slowed down a lot in the past year. Respiratory disease in the leading cause of mortality in adult orangutans and Charlie is therefore being monitored, with signs so far looking good.

With this in mind, I really hope they don’t delay breeding Charlie and Daya much longer.

From socials:

Today is orangutan Charlie’s 44th birthday! Charlie has been an essential part of our Zoo family since 1984 – arriving from Singapore Zoo when he was just three years old – and is beloved by our keepers and visitors alike.

He has an amazing relationship with our primate keepers, some who have known Charlie for more than half their lives! These intelligent apes can live well into their fifties, with a lifespan usually into their forties.

As Charlie continues to age, his care plan will evolve to support his mobility, comfort and overall wellbeing. Regularly monitoring animal health is critically important, and our keepers engage Charlie in positive reinforcement training each week.

In this video, you’ll see how he positions himself by raising his arms and holding still against the plate while the X-ray is taken. These regular scans allow our keepers and vets to closely monitor his respiratory health.

“We feel incredibly lucky to have Charlie with us for over 41 years and are so grateful for the opportunity to care for him”, says Amy, our deputy curator of mammals. Come and visit Charlie and his son Bahmi to celebrate their birthdays with us this week!"

I too hope they don't continue delaying breeding Charlie and Daya, given Charlie's advanced age. Although there could be future plans for Bahmi x Daya - the age gap between Daya and Bahmi is similar to that between Luna and Madju of Busch Gardens, Florida, with Luna being considerably older than her companion - three-year-old Bahmi will not be mature enough for quite some years yet. Charlie, however, seems in good health, enjoying his food and climbing vigorously on the aerial pathways, which the orangutans had access to yesterday (I was at the zoo yesterday to celebrate Bahmi's birthday, which is the day before Charlie's! )

 

[Zoofan15]

I too hope they don't continue delaying breeding Charlie and Daya, given Charlie's advanced age. Although there could be future plans for Bahmi x Daya - the age gap between Daya and Bahmi is similar to that between Luna and Madju of Busch Gardens, Florida, with Luna being considerably older than her companion - three-year-old Bahmi will not be mature enough for quite some years yet. Charlie, however, seems in good health, enjoying his food and climbing vigorously on the aerial pathways, which the orangutans had access to yesterday (I was at the zoo yesterday to celebrate Bahmi's birthday, which is the day before Charlie's! )

It would still be worthwhile breeding Charlie and Daya in my opinion as it’ll be at least 5-6 years (potentially longer) until we can expect to see Bahmi sire any infants. Horst was 11 years old when his first infants were born in 1989.

Considering Charlie is also the second most genetically valuable male Bornean orangutan in captivity, it’d be a shame if his sole surviving offspring going forward were both with the same female.

If Charlie can sire infants to Melur and Daya within the next year or two, it’ll ensure a more seamless transition into Bahmi becoming the next breeding male - with Melur retiring from breeding after her fourth and final infant; and Daya then having a gap of around five years until she breeds a second time. There would therefore be no need to bring in a new male during this period, which is an added benefit given the zoo essentially have one orangutan exhibit (with the other remaining for the use of the Siamang).

That’s cool you got to see Bahmi celebrate his third birthday. It’s been good to see him gaining independence and spending more time away from his mother/interacting with Daya; though on my last visit, that involved beating her with a stick!