Australasian Orangutan Population

[Jambo]

With the birth of a new chimpanzee baby at Hamilton, and with Chiku and Kendi bound to transfer out in a few years, I'm wondering what the dispersal patterns are usually like for orangutans and what this will mean for Auckland Zoo.

Since Daya was imported, it looks as though either males or females can be transferred as the breeding programme requires. I personally hope to see Bahmi retained as breeding male, since there is a future possibility of Bahmi x Daya (as I've mentioned before, these two share a similar older female/younger male age gap as Madju and Luna in Florida). and a new female could also be sourced for Bahmi while Melur would be retired from the breeding programme.

I've heard it's often harder to place males overseas, although Bahmi would still be desirable due to his genetic value, and I personally believe that the best scenario for when Charlie passes on would be for Bahmi to eventually breed with Daya - an infant born to those two would also be very genetically valuable - and import another female.

Whereas with Daya's previous colony in the Netherlands, it would make more sense to transfer out Daya's younger brother, Sabar - he is a genetically valuable male, and any zoo would happily take him - and import a new male to breed with Jewel and Tjintha (and Minggu when she is of age).

Spot on - both males and females disperse from their maternal 'groups' as orangutans are naturally independent and solitary. This can occur as young as six or seven for some orangutans, however most often stay longer than that. In captivity, it's not uncommon to see daughters remain with their mothers long term though, especially if the mother doesn't have any further offspring.

With a relatively even birth sex ratio within this species in captivity, it's not surprising males are hard to place, especially out of the specific breeding program. There are consequently a lot of surplus males that have to be accommodated, and there's difficulty with this as unlike the other great ape species - bachelor groups can't be formed.

I can absolutely foresee Bahmi remaining as Auckland's next breeding male following his father's passing. If his mother and Daya's next offspring are both females though, and Charlie's still alive and kicking in say five or six years time - I'd imagine there might be consideration into transferring him to the USA, or even Europe.

 

[Pertinax]

Kiani has since died, so their holdings are currently 1.1 (Sumatran male and hybrid female).
Melbourne Zoo:

Thanks for the explanation. I didn't realise they still have the two, though only the male is pure Sumatran. I remember seeing Santan and Maimunah at Melbourne during the 1990's and before, they were still in those old ape grottoes back then.

 

[Zoofan15]

With the birth of a new chimpanzee baby at Hamilton, and with Chiku and Kendi bound to transfer out in a few years, I'm wondering what the dispersal patterns are usually like for orangutans and what this will mean for Auckland Zoo.

Since Daya was imported, it looks as though either males or females can be transferred as the breeding programme requires. I personally hope to see Bahmi retained as breeding male, since there is a future possibility of Bahmi x Daya (as I've mentioned before, these two share a similar older female/younger male age gap as Madju and Luna in Florida). and a new female could also be sourced for Bahmi while Melur would be retired from the breeding programme.

I've heard it's often harder to place males overseas, although Bahmi would still be desirable due to his genetic value, and I personally believe that the best scenario for when Charlie passes on would be for Bahmi to eventually breed with Daya - an infant born to those two would also be very genetically valuable - and import another female.

Whereas with Daya's previous colony in the Netherlands, it would make more sense to transfer out Daya's younger brother, Sabar - he is a genetically valuable male, and any zoo would happily take him - and import a new male to breed with Jewel and Tjintha (and Minggu when she is of age).

Orangutans are typically living independently from their mothers by eight years, which is often quoted as the birth interval for this species. In captivity, the birth interval is more commonly around five years and young orangutans mature much faster, capable of reproducing as young as seven years (again, mid-teens is often quoted as the age of first birth in the wild).

In some cases, females can live amicably together in captivity and Auckland Zoo has been lucky to achieve this with Melur and Daya. The one thing we can guarantee is that they’ll form the nucleus of the colony going forward, with or without Bahmi.

I would expect Melur and Daya’s next offspring to have some influence on decisions going forward. Were they each to have a daughter, that could provide motivation to establish a larger colony around these females (with a new male brought in). This rationale will be redundant should male infants follow; and in which case, they may as well breed from Bahmi and Daya.

There’s no telling how long Charlie will be around for; however should he succeed in siring an infant to Daya in the next two years, a birth interval of at least five years will ensure Bahmi is of age to sire her next infant should Charlie pass in the interim.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the explanation. I didn't realise they still have the two, though only the male is pure Sumatran. I remember seeing Santan and Maimunah at Melbourne during the 1990's and before, they were still in those old ape grottoes back then.

Yes, I was surprised to learn after seeing Melbourne’s new exhibit that it only opened 2006. It reminds me a lot of Auckland Zoo’s Orangutan Park (1987-2017), that was looking very dated in its final years.

As a region, considerable thought has been given to housing great apes in social groupings that reflect the natural social order of the species - chimpanzees in multi-male/multi-female communities; and orangutans in pairs or trios as opposed to large colonies. The current exhibit is suitable for this number; but further development (ideally including aerial lines) would better cater to an expanded colony.

 

[Jambo]

Yes, I was surprised to learn after seeing Melbourne’s new exhibit that it only opened 2006. It reminds me a lot of Auckland Zoo’s Orangutan Park (1987-2017), that was looking very dated in its final years.

As a region, considerable thought has been given to housing great apes in social groupings that reflect the natural social order of the species - chimpanzees in multi-male/multi-female communities; and orangutans in pairs or trios as opposed to large colonies. The current exhibit is suitable for this number; but further development (ideally including aerial lines) would better cater to an expanded colony.

It's surprising to see how fast standards for keeping Orangutans especially have changed over time. Melbourne's complex at the time of opening, and even going back to the early 2010's was quite innovative and appealing with three exhibits; one multi leveled indoor exhibit (the dayroom), another large netted exhibit and a third large island shaped habitat.

It's interesting however the overall 'architecture', 'size' and 'design' hasn't really aged well. The dayroom is quite small and the rather 'plain' look doesn't really help. The other outdoor exhibits suffer from the same lack of naturalism. None of the exhibits have any foliage planted in them and even the excess of ropes strewn across each habitat, combined with the wooden platforms doesn't give for the best look aesthetically.

Overall, I do think Melbourne could have a lot to improve here. Expanding via aerial lines would be the first goal - designing a new exhibit that can set the standard for the rest of the habitats which are suitable space wise and really just require re-designing.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's surprising to see how fast standards for keeping Orangutans especially have changed over time. Melbourne's complex at the time of opening, and even going back to the early 2010's was quite innovative and appealing with three exhibits; one multi leveled indoor exhibit (the dayroom), another large netted exhibit and a third large island shaped habitat.

It's interesting however the overall 'architecture', 'size' and 'design' hasn't really aged well. The dayroom is quite small and the rather 'plain' look doesn't really help. The other outdoor exhibits suffer from the same lack of naturalism. None of the exhibits have any foliage planted in them and even the excess of ropes strewn across each habitat, combined with the wooden platforms doesn't give for the best look aesthetically.

Overall, I do think Melbourne could have a lot to improve here. Expanding via aerial lines would be the first goal - designing a new exhibit that can set the standard for the rest of the habitats which are suitable space wise and really just require re-designing.

Melbourne’s orangutan complex very similar to Auckland’s complex (and likely took inspiration from it) in that they had a publicly viewable dayroom, which serviced a larger outdoor paddock. Auckland’s colony often had access to the dayroom and the paddock simultaneously, with the male that wasn’t on rotation with the females in the BOH room. This was presumably to allow the orangutans the option of retreating inside during inclement weather.

Even during the 1990’s, when the barless exhibit looked state of the art, Auckland’s orangutan exhibit was criticised for its bare appearance (especially considering they’re an aboreal ape). Melbourne have worked hard to address this, with sway poles etc. yet aesthetically it remains the same - in part due to the high concrete wall.

I would also argue that like Auckland Zoo’s, Melbourne’s complex would have been better if they hadn’t turned over one of the two outdoor exhibits to Siamang. Housing a larger colony of orangutans is always going to prove more popular with the public and Melbourne already have another pair of Siamang at the zoo. They’re not a species I would double up on at the expense of orangutan holdings. Integration of the apes may have negated this issues, but as proven across multiple facilities, this is a challenging process.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Update - Charlie and Daya

I was at Auckland Zoo this past Saturday and noticed some encouraging behaviour from the orangutans that indicated that perhaps Charlie is beginning to mate with Daya.

Bahmi was spending most of his time with Melur that day, which was cold and occasionally wet, either playing, nursing or cuddling. Charlie was following Daya around the habitat when she climbed or foraged for food and actually seemed to be watching over her while she napped in one of the nesting baskets. At one point, Daya was reclining on the long grass in front of the habitat, and Charlie came up behind her and appeared to be attempting to coax her to mate - I don't believe he was successful, but Daya did not seem to be objecting or trying to get away from Charlie.

I asked volunteers about this, and they didn't seem to have any further information, but I am wondering if the breeding programme has decided Daya is old enough and she has been taken off contraception?

 

[Zoofan15]

Update - Charlie and Daya

I was at Auckland Zoo this past Saturday and noticed some encouraging behaviour from the orangutans that indicated that perhaps Charlie is beginning to mate with Daya.

Bahmi was spending most of his time with Melur that day, which was cold and occasionally wet, either playing, nursing or cuddling. Charlie was following Daya around the habitat when she climbed or foraged for food and actually seemed to be watching over her while she napped in one of the nesting baskets. At one point, Daya was reclining on the long grass in front of the habitat, and Charlie came up behind her and appeared to be attempting to coax her to mate - I don't believe he was successful, but Daya did not seem to be objecting or trying to get away from Charlie.

I asked volunteers about this, and they didn't seem to have any further information, but I am wondering if the breeding programme has decided Daya is old enough and she has been taken off contraception?

I’m assuming Daya was contracepted via implant, which is typically effective for around 30 months (the recommendation is to replace them every two years). She was clearly on contraception prior to import; but since isolation from exhibit mates is a recommendation for up to a week to allow the incision to heal, replacing it upon export/import during a health check would have been the ideal time.

The above timeframe would tie in with the zoo not renewing the implant after two years (2025); but Daya not resuming cycling until approximately six months later (around the summer of 2026). My guess therefore is for Daya to deliver her first infant in the second half of 2026. This will hopefully be not too far out from Melur producing her next infant (assuming that’s the plan).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I’m assuming Daya was contracepted via implant, which is typically effective for around 30 months (the recommendation is to replace them every two years). She was clearly on contraception prior to import; but since isolation from exhibit mates is a recommendation for up to a week to allow the incision to heal, replacing it upon export/import during a health check would have been the ideal time.

The above timeframe would tie in with the zoo not renewing the implant after two years (2025); but Daya not resuming cycling until approximately six months later (around the summer of 2026). My guess therefore is for Daya to deliver her first infant in the second half of 2026. This will hopefully be not too far out from Melur producing her next infant (assuming that’s the plan).

That makes sense. I am hoping that this is the plan, and that the intention is also for Melur to produce one last infant. It's encouraging to see that Daya does seem at ease in Charlie's company and does not seem to be averse to his attentions!

 

[Zoofan15]

That makes sense. I am hoping that this is the plan, and that the intention is also for Melur to produce one last infant. It's encouraging to see that Daya does seem at ease in Charlie's company and does not seem to be averse to his attentions!

Charlie and Melur are a genetically valuable pair and to my knowledge, Melur is in good health, so I’m optimistic they’ll receive another breeding recommendation. Public interest in the orangutans continues to run high following Bahmi’s birth three years ago; and another two infants would see the exhibit become a hive of activity.

Unless Charlie dies before he can sire an infant to Daya, I think we all agree the plan is for Bahmi to succeed him as Auckland’s breeding male. If Daya gives birth 2026/2027, Bahmi would be sexually mature by the time she’s ready to conceive her second infant (i.e. there’d be no delay to her reproduction).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Charlie and Melur are a genetically valuable pair and to my knowledge, Melur is in good health, so I’m optimistic they’ll receive another breeding recommendation. Public interest in the orangutans continues to run high following Bahmi’s birth three years ago; and another two infants would see the exhibit become a hive of activity.

Unless Charlie dies before he can sire an infant to Daya, I think we all agree the plan is for Bahmi to succeed him as Auckland’s breeding male. If Daya gives birth 2026/2027, Bahmi would be sexually mature by the time she’s ready to conceive her second infant (i.e. there’d be no delay to her reproduction).

I'm hoping this is the case. Not only is Charlie's line still underrepresented, despite the encouraging births of Bahmi and of Madju's daughter Stella in Florida, but Melur's paternal line is also severely underrepresented (although her maternal line is flourishing and I am expecting there will be breeding recommendations for 2 of her maternal half-brothers in the USA - Takai of Houston Zoo and Kecil of Brookfield Zoo - before much longer!)

Infants to both Melur and Daya would certainly be one of the biggest drawcards Auckland Zoo has ever seen, and it's encouraging if the breeding programme are forging ahead with Daya and Charlie.

It would be disastrous, I feel, if Charlie died before siring another infant, either to Daya or Melur. That would mean Bahmi would have to be transferred out, and a new male integrated, which could prove difficult, especially where Melur is concerned, having to get used to a new adult male.

Personally, I believe it would be ideal for Bahmi to remain at Auckland Zoo as breeding male, given the bond he has already established with Daya, since breeding programmes take animal temperament into account as well as genetic value. Bahmi has a similar temperament to his older brother, Madju, who went from being a mischievous youngster to a gentle male and patient father. Once Bahmi outgrows his juvenile silliness, I foresee him forming a similar dynamic with Daya to the one Charlie has with Melur.

 

[Zoofan15]

I'm hoping this is the case. Not only is Charlie's line still underrepresented, despite the encouraging births of Bahmi and of Madju's daughter Stella in Florida, but Melur's paternal line is also severely underrepresented (although her maternal line is flourishing and I am expecting there will be breeding recommendations for 2 of her maternal half-brothers in the USA - Takai of Houston Zoo and Kecil of Brookfield Zoo - before much longer!)

Infants to both Melur and Daya would certainly be one of the biggest drawcards Auckland Zoo has ever seen, and it's encouraging if the breeding programme are forging ahead with Daya and Charlie.

It would be disastrous, I feel, if Charlie died before siring another infant, either to Daya or Melur. That would mean Bahmi would have to be transferred out, and a new male integrated, which could prove difficult, especially where Melur is concerned, having to get used to a new adult male.

Personally, I believe it would be ideal for Bahmi to remain at Auckland Zoo as breeding male, given the bond he has already established with Daya, since breeding programmes take animal temperament into account as well as genetic value. Bahmi has a similar temperament to his older brother, Madju, who went from being a mischievous youngster to a gentle male and patient father. Once Bahmi outgrows his juvenile silliness, I foresee him forming a similar dynamic with Days to the one Charlie has with Melur.

It would indeed be disastrous if Charlie died before siring an infant. They’re a semi-social species and many zoos have found their orangutans to be incompatible with each other (most recently Perth’s 1.1 pair). Charlie is considered placid for a male orangutan and Melur and Daya have proved themselves to be good companions for each other, which is by no means common amongst unrelated female orangutans. To have the cohesive dynamic Auckland has is rare indeed, so rocking the boat by bringing in a new male would be undesirable to say the least.

All Auckland need to do is secure an infant from Daya (and ideally one from Melur too) and then they can carry on, without or without Charlie.

Long term, they could maintain Bahmi and Daya as a breeding pair - and then decide whether to bring in a new female (likely when Melur passes, assuming no further expansion i.e. into the Siamang exhibit).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It would indeed be disastrous if Charlie died before siring an infant. They’re a semi-social species and many zoos have found their orangutans to be incompatible with each other (most recently Perth’s 1.1 pair). Charlie is considered placid for a male orangutan and Melur and Daya have proved themselves to be good companions for each other, which is by no means common amongst unrelated female orangutans. To have the cohesive dynamic Auckland has is rare indeed, so rocking the boat by bringing in a new male would be undesirable to say the least.

All Auckland need to do is secure an infant from Daya (and ideally one from Melur too) and then they can carry on, without or without Charlie.

Long term, they could maintain Bahmi and Daya as a breeding pair - and then decide whether to bring in a new female (likely when Melur passes, assuming no further expansion i.e. into the Siamang exhibit).

Very good points. It would not be a great situation if a new male was brought in, to start with, and as you've pointed out, should the new male prove incompatible with the others, it would be a disaster of epic proportions! If he's an adult, there's the chance he will be aggressive and if he's still an adolescent, the females may not care for an unflanged male.

Group cohesion is all important and it is indeed very fortunate that Melur and Daya get on so well. They've even been mistaken for mother and child in the early days of Daya being at the zoo by some visitors! Melur and Wanita got along fairly well, but Melur's connection to Daya seems much more harmonious than the often-squabbling Melur and Wanita!

Here's hoping for at least an infant from Daya. Biologically, I believe she's ready, and although youthful, I think she's at very low risk of rejecting the infant due to her having the chance to witness successful mothers in Jewel, Tjintha and now Melur.

I would love to see Bahmi and Daya eventually become a breeding pair. Bringing in a new female in the distant future seems like it would cause much less disruption to the colony than importing a replacement male for Charlie.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am pretty sure that Perth's Utama was taken out of the breeding programme due to being inbred, though. Or incompatibility with the Perth males, perhaps?).

Essentially yes. Though there’s been examples where inbred orangutans were intended for breeding e.g. Intan, born 1989 at Auckland Zoo; in Perth’s case, they had multiple non-inbred females to breed from and due to the size of their colony, had to prioritise which ones to breed with.

Due to being handraised, there may have also been some doubt around Utama’s competance as a mother. It’s worth noting that since the turn of the century, all the female orangutans Perth bred from were either mother raised or (in the case of Puteri) mothers who had successfully raised at least one infant in the past.

Utama was very close to Hsing Hsing, so much so that Utama’s non-surviving infant in 2012 was as a result of an unplanned pregnancy. Utama has since been sterilised.

 

[tetrapod]

Essentially yes. Though there’s been examples where inbred orangutans were intended for breeding e.g. Intan, born 1989 at Auckland Zoo; in Perth’s case, they had multiple non-inbred females to breed from and due to the size of their colony, had to prioritise which ones to breed with.

Due to being handraised, there may have also been some doubt around Utama’s competance as a mother. It’s worth noting that since the turn of the century, all the female orangutans Perth bred from were either mother raised or (in the case of Puteri) mothers who had successfully raised at least one infant in the past.

Utama was very close to Hsing Hsing, so much so that Utama’s non-surviving infant in 2012 was as a result of an unplanned pregnancy. Utama has since been sterilised.

Planned breeding was attempted between Utama and Hsing, however nothing ever came from it. Hand-raising was not the issue as other females were able to successfully reproduce/rear young. She was always a skinny female and never cycled regularly (no obvious reasons why).

 

[Zoofan15]

Planned breeding was attempted between Utama and Hsing, however nothing ever came from it.

So I’m correct that the 2012 infant was unplanned?

What year was the unsuccessful attempts to breed her with Hsing Hsing?

She was always a skinny female and never cycled regularly (no obvious reasons why).

That’s interesting as Pupsa was also a very slender female. Not sure if she had irregular cycles too, but she gave birth to Sekara in 1990.

 

[tetrapod]

Planning of Utama's 2012 infant - I have no idea. I do know that Utama and Hsing were kept together for periods as they got on well. It could have been an accident, because the keeping staff thought she was incapable of breeding.
Puspa was a slim orang too. Again not too sure why. I'm pretty sure she had regular periods, but cannot say for sure.

 

[Zoofan15]

Planning of Utama's 2012 infant - I have no idea. I do know that Utama and Hsing were kept together for periods as they got on well. It could have been an accident, because the keeping staff thought she was incapable of breeding.
Puspa was a slim orang too. Again not too sure why. I'm pretty sure she had regular periods, but cannot say for sure.

I found this account of Utama:

Orangutan celebrates 35th birthday at Perth Zoo

Utama had a hysterectomy following a difficult labour in 2012 and subsequent complications.

"Unlike the other pairings within the colony, Hsing Hsing and Utama quite often sit together on the same platform sharing food," she said.

"They simply like to be in each other's company. While orangutans don't usually share their night nests, Utama frequently makes her nest next to Hsing Hsing's nest. She loves to be next to him."

The annual report of that year noted a female underwent a hysterectomy due to a prolapsed cervix.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo orangutans update - Charlie and Daya

I visited the zoo today to celebrate World Orangutan Day, and noticed that Charlie was again following Daya around the habitat and was very attentive to her, watching closely, sitting next to her or beneath her and occasionally attempting to touch her - she tolerated his presence and when she moved, he would be moving right after her while Melur ate or rested or attended to Bahmi. Upon speaking to one of the primate keepers, I was able to learn that Daya has indeed been taken off contraception and that the zoo hopes to begin the breeding process with Charlie and Daya.

I also asked about the possibility of Melur breeding again, and the keeper said that there likely would not be a plan for this at this point in time due to Bahmi being dependent on Melur for such a long time - the keeper didn't state whether the intention is to retain Bahmi or transfer him out, but at any rate, Bahmi will be with Melur until he is 7-9 years of age. I personally, however, believe it would be desirable for Melur to breed for one last time.

On a slight tangent, Daya's mischievous antics have been causing more headaches for zoo staff - she managed to undo one of the ropes holding the lowest-hanging nesting basket both yesterday and today, no doubt aided by Bahmi. Staff decided to recall the siamang pair and put the orangutans in the siamang habitat for the rest of the afternoon - it was World Orangutan Day, after all, and the public wanted to see the orangutans!

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo orangutans update - Charlie and Daya

I visited the zoo today to celebrate World Orangutan Day, and noticed that Charlie was again following Daya around the habitat and was very attentive to her, watching closely, sitting next to her or beneath her and occasionally attempting to touch her - she tolerated his presence and when she moved, he would be moving right after her while Melur ate or rested or attended to Bahmi. Upon speaking to one of the primate keepers, I was able to learn that Daya has indeed been taken off contraception and that the zoo hopes to begin the breeding process with Charlie and Daya.

I also asked about the possibility of Melur breeding again, and the keeper said that there likely would not be a plan for this at this point in time due to Bahmi being dependent on Melur for such a long time - the keeper didn't state whether the intention is to retain Bahmi or transfer him out, but at any rate, Bahmi will be with Melur until he is 7-9 years of age. I personally, however, believe it would be desirable for Melur to breed for one last time.

On a slight tangent, Daya's mischievous antics have been causing more headaches for zoo staff - she managed to undo one of the ropes holding the lowest-hanging nesting basket both yesterday and today, no doubt aided by Bahmi. Staff decided to recall the siamang pair and put the orangutans in the siamang habitat for the rest of the afternoon - it was World Orangutan Day, after all, and the public wanted to see the orangutans!

Thank you for this update. I’m excited to hear Daya has FINALLY been taken off contraception. She didn’t look even remotely pregnant when I saw her earlier this month, so I’d anticipate that best case scenario, she’ll deliver her first infant next year. Irregardless of whether Melur breeds, it’ll be exciting to have an infant and a juvenile in Auckland’s colony for the first time in decades.

On the subject of Melur breeding again, I find the staff tend to exaggerate the birth interval of this species. Indra’s offspring were born five years apart and this is a completely achievable birth internal for this species. While the mother’s focus goes to her newborn, the juvenile takes on a satellite role to the mother until it reaches eight to nine years of age.

Whether Auckland will take proactive steps to prevent Melur from breeding again (i.e. by placing her on contraception) I don’t know; but she could theoretically conceive as early as next year herself.