Australasian Orangutan Population

[Zorro]

I agree with this. I think it was part of Steve Irwin's dream to eventually hold great apes at Australia Zoo, particularly orangutans and gorillas, but this never happened. A second holder for Bornean orangutans in the region, I believe, is sorely needed, and Australia Zoo would be a great place for them. There are currently no primate species other than ring-tailed lemurs at Australia Zoo!

It seems so very odd that they don't hold any primates (other than Ring-tailed Lemurs) even a big crowd puller like great apes. Not one antelope has ever set foot (hoof) in the zoo let alone their African savanna or even a Lion for that matter, I have seen on their social media site where people are asking where are the Lions ect ect which are rarely replied to from what I have seen.
They are lacking in so many areas and yet I see some Americans say on the social media say that they can't wait to visit there unknowingly that their own local zoo likely has a much better collection!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for clearing that up! It makes sense for Kluet to transfer to Perth when the upgrades are completed and for there to be a non-breeding zoo in the region, which Adelaide seems most likely to take on. Sydney Zoo also makes sense as a destination for Sungai.

With the inevitable demise of the 70’s born orangutans, I could see the region’s Sumatran population looking something like this:

Adelaide Zoo:

1.0 Dinar (06/03/1987) Dinding x Abigail; Imported 2004
0.1 Sekara (20/07/1990) Hsing Hsing x Puspa

*Retired from breeding

Perth Zoo:

1.0 Kluet (18/07/1995) Gambar x Gina; Imported 2003
0.1 Pulang (21/12/1993) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Teliti (20/10/2009) Hsing Hsing x Puteri
0.1 Lestari (09/01/2012) Hsing Hsing x Pulang

*Breeding

Sydney Zoo:

1.0 Sungai (30/12/2011) Dinar x Sekara
0.1 Maimunah (23/05/1986) Pongo x Timor
0.1 Dewi (06/12/2010) Santan x Maimunah

*Non-breeding until Maimunah passes

Melbourne Zoo:

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

*Acquire female long term

Melbourne Zoo could potentially acquire one of the three Perth females; but that would mean a triple match between the related Kluet, Malu and Dewi with the Perth colony. An import from Europe seems more likely, but Melbourne have no immediate plans to undertake this.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It seems so very odd that they don't hold any primates (other than Ring-tailed Lemurs) even a big crowd puller like great apes. Not one antelope has ever set foot (hoof) in the zoo let alone their African savanna or even a Lion for that matter, I have seen on their social media site where people are asking where are the Lions ect ect which are rarely replied to from what I have seen.
They are lacking in so many areas and yet I see some Americans say on the social media say that they can't wait to visit there unknowingly that their own local zoo likely has a much better collection!

I've always found this puzzling, the lack of some very key animals which Australia Zoo could easily accommodate. I do remember hearing that there were plans for gorillas, but these were scrapped - even before Covid was a thing - and I don't think a reason why was ever given. (I think either Covid or a sick elephant was given as a reason for Burma's import from Auckland Zoo falling through - Australia Zoo denied financial constraints were the reason IIRC).

It seems a lot of people want to visit Australia Zoo because Australia Zoo = crocodiles to them, and they do seem to be the main attraction there, although there are plenty of other places in Australia where people can go to view crocodiles (and I think you're right, a lot of zoos do have much better animal collections, including Auckland Zoo in my opinion! For me to want to visit a zoo, there has to be at least one great ape species, and hopefully at least one gibbon species also).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

With the inevitable demise of the 70’s born orangutans, I could see the region’s Sumatran population looking something like this:

Adelaide Zoo:

1.0 Dinar (06/03/1987) Dinding x Abigail; Imported 2004
0.1 Sekara (20/07/1990) Hsing Hsing x Puspa

*Retired from breeding

Perth Zoo:

1.0 Kluet (18/07/1995) Gambar x Gina; Imported 2003
0.1 Pulang (21/12/1993) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Teliti (20/10/2009) Hsing Hsing x Puteri
0.1 Lestari (09/01/2012) Hsing Hsing x Pulang

*Breeding

Sydney Zoo:

1.0 Sungai (30/12/2011) Dinar x Sekara
0.1 Maimunah (23/05/1986) Pongo x Timor
0.1 Dewi (06/12/2010) Santan x Maimunah

*Non-breeding until Maimunah passes

Melbourne Zoo:

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

*Acquire female long term

Melbourne Zoo could potentially acquire one of the three Perth females; but that would mean a triple match between the related Kluet, Malu and Dewi with the Perth colony. An import from Europe seems more likely, but Melbourne have no immediate plans to undertake this.

This makes a lot of sense. I think there was discussion on this forum that Kluet is the most genetically valuable out of Kluet and Malu, so finding him breeding females is of higher importance, although it would still be worthwhile to breed from Malu. I agree, sourcing one or more females from outside the region would probably be best for him.

 

[Zorro]

I've always found this puzzling, the lack of some very key animals which Australia Zoo could easily accommodate. I do remember hearing that there were plans for gorillas, but these were scrapped - even before Covid was a thing - and I don't think a reason why was ever given. (I think either Covid or a sick elephant was given as a reason for Burma's import from Auckland Zoo falling through - Australia Zoo denied financial constraints were the reason IIRC).

It seems a lot of people want to visit Australia Zoo because Australia Zoo = crocodiles to them, and they do seem to be the main attraction there, although there are plenty of other places in Australia where people can go to view crocodiles (and I think you're right, a lot of zoos do have much better animal collections, including Auckland Zoo in my opinion! For me to want to visit a zoo, there has to be at least one great ape species, and hopefully at least one gibbon species also).

They had some years ago on their website saying they wanted to have the biggest Gorilla exhibit in the world along with a zoo map showing the zoos 3 future stages. Now all in the past and came to nothing!

 

[Zoofan15]

This makes a lot of sense. I think there was discussion on this forum that Kluet is the most genetically valuable out of Kluet and Malu, so finding him breeding females is of higher importance, although it would still be worthwhile to breed from Malu. I agree, sourcing one or more females from outside the region would probably be best for him.

Timor (1975) was the mother of Maimunah (1986) and Kluet (1995); which makes Kluet the uncle of Malu (2003) and Dewi (2010). Kluet is indeed more genetically value than Malu, due to the representation of Malu’s paternal ancestors detracting from his genetic value.

Unless Melbourne undertake an expansion of their facilities (a possibility with the elephants vacating a large amount of space), it’s probable they’d maintain a population of 1.1 (including the hybrid female) long term.

They had some years ago on their website saying they wanted to have the biggest Gorilla exhibit in the world along with a zoo map showing the zoos 3 future stages. Now all in the past and came to nothing!

I really wish these plans had gone ahead. It was signed as ‘Gorilla and Orangutan Island’ when I visited in 2005; with the last mention I heard of it in an article from 2007, where reference was made to excavating a moat for an island habitat for gorillas. They disappointingly revised this to become ‘Bindi’s Island’, housing tortoises, birds and lemurs.

Both Australia Zoo and Cairns Wildlife Safari would have provided an avenue for Australasian zoos to transfer out their hybrid orangutans; while I imagine given their close relationship, Steve would have acquired gorillas (possibly a breeding troop) from Howletts.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Timor (1975) was the mother of Maimunah (1986) and Kluet (1995); which makes Kluet the uncle of Malu (2003) and Dewi (2010). Kluet is indeed more genetically value than Malu, due to the representation of Malu’s paternal ancestors detracting from his genetic value.

Unless Melbourne undertake an expansion of their facilities (a possibility with the elephants vacating a large amount of space), it’s probable they’d maintain a population of 1.1 (including the hybrid female) long term.


I really wish these plans had gone ahead. It was signed as ‘Gorilla and Orangutan Island’ when I visited in 2005; with the last mention I heard of it in an article from 2007, where reference was made to excavating a moat for an island habitat for gorillas. They disappointingly revised this to become ‘Bindi’s Island’, housing tortoises, birds and lemurs.

Both Australia Zoo and Cairns Wildlife Safari would have provided an avenue for Australasian zoos to transfer out their hybrid orangutans; while I imagine given their close relationship, Steve would have acquired gorillas (possibly a breeding troop) from Howletts.

It does make sense that they would prioritise breeding from Kluet, and I hope that the Perth renovations will be completed soon so that they can facilitiate this.

I agree, Bindi's Island sounds like a colossal waste of resources - a sizeable space that was meant for great apes being relegated to several species of smaller animals which could have easily been located elsewhere.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Zoo could potentially acquire one of the three Perth females; but that would mean a triple match between the related Kluet, Malu and Dewi with the Perth colony. An import from Europe seems more likely, but Melbourne have no immediate plans to undertake this.

With Gabby only 35, Melbourne could still be two or so decades away from having the opportunity to acquire a mate for Malu. By that time, he'll likely be at least 40 years old, and that timeframe would likely align with an expansion/renovation of the current facilities before Melbourne hopefully explore their options from there.

An entirely new pair would be good. By the time Gabby passes, Malu will also be older, and with the expansion of facilities, they could afford to hold him alongside a new breeding pair.

Especially if Dewi breeds (as expected), there'll be less reason to breed from Malu eventually. Santan's approaching his 47th birthday year so Sydney could be in a position where they could end up acquiring Sungai (or another male) sooner rather than later.

 

[Zoofan15]

With Gabby only 35, Melbourne could still be two or so decades away from having the opportunity to acquire a mate for Malu. By that time, he'll likely be at least 40 years old, and that timeframe would likely align with an expansion/renovation of the current facilities before Melbourne hopefully explore their options from there.

An entirely new pair would be good. By the time Gabby passes, Malu will also be older, and with the expansion of facilities, they could afford to hold him alongside a new breeding pair.

Especially if Dewi breeds (as expected), there'll be less reason to breed from Malu eventually. Santan's approaching his 47th birthday year so Sydney could be in a position where they could end up acquiring Sungai (or another male) sooner rather than later.

It’ll be particularly interesting to see the design of Perth’s new orangutan exhibit as from what I’ve heard it’ll be fewer but larger exhibits, promoting cohabiting in small groups. This would explain why they’re clearly striving for a slimmed down colony. They had 13 orangutans in 2012. Since then, three have died and two have been exported. No births have occurred since then, leaving them with eight orangutans.

There’s a clear avenue towards transferring out three of their existing colony (possibly four if Melbourne acquired a female or Adelaide took two females); with another two aged 45 years+. I wouldn’t be surprised if the end result was Perth holding 1.2 adults and their young across two exhibits by the time the decade’s out.

Unfortunately I can’t foresee any new orangutan emerging anytime soon. Orana’s gorillas (aged 18 and 22 years) should be around for a while yet; but it wouldn’t surprise me to see them switch to Bornean orangutans long term (maintaining Siamang on the opposite side). It would be great to have a second facility acting in support of Auckland’s Bornean colony.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It’ll be particularly interesting to see the design of Perth’s new orangutan exhibit as from what I’ve heard it’ll be fewer but larger exhibits, promoting cohabiting in small groups. This would explain why they’re clearly striving for a slimmed down colony. They had 13 orangutans in 2012. Since then, three have died and two have been exported. No births have occurred since then, leaving them with eight orangutans.

There’s a clear avenue towards transferring out three of their existing colony (possibly four if Melbourne acquired a female or Adelaide took two females); with another two aged 45 years+. I wouldn’t be surprised if the end result was Perth holding 1.2 adults and their young across two exhibits by the time the decade’s out.

Unfortunately I can’t foresee any new orangutan emerging anytime soon. Orana’s gorillas (aged 18 and 22 years) should be around for a while yet; but it wouldn’t surprise me to see them switch to Bornean orangutans long term (maintaining Siamang on the opposite side). It would be great to have a second facility acting in support of Auckland’s Bornean colony.

A second holder of Bornean orangutans in New Zealand would be great, since Orana seem to have abandoned plans to import Sumatran orangutans. I did hope that they would hold both gorillas and orangutans at some point - since it's a Great Ape Centre - but the alternative could be to phase out gorillas if they cannot establish either a breeding troop or larger bachelor troop. Having 2 gorillas is not really an ideal situation, and as much as I love siamang gibbons, they don't count as great apes, and they could be accommodated elsewhere in the zoo.

I am hoping that Bahmi will be retained at Auckland Zoo when Charlie passes and replace Charlie as breeding male; Melur would then be retired from the breeding programme and Bahmi would be paired with Daya and perhaps a new, imported female from Europe or the USA. Any offspring of Daya, along with any necessary import(s), could possibly become founders of a new Bornean orangutan colony at Orana.

 

[Zoofan15]

A second holder of Bornean orangutans in New Zealand would be great, since Orana seem to have abandoned plans to import Sumatran orangutans. I did hope that they would hold both gorillas and orangutans at some point - since it's a Great Ape Centre - but the alternative could be to phase out gorillas if they cannot establish either a breeding troop or larger bachelor troop. Having 2 gorillas is not really an ideal situation, and as much as I love siamang gibbons, they don't count as great apes, and they could be accommodated elsewhere in the zoo.

I am hoping that Bahmi will be retained at Auckland Zoo when Charlie passes and replace Charlie as breeding male; Melur would then be retired from the breeding programme and Bahmi would be paired with Daya and perhaps a new, imported female from Europe or the USA. Any offspring of Daya, along with any necessary import(s), could possibly become founders of a new Bornean orangutan colony at Orana.

I’m think orangutan could be a cost effective alternative to gorillas (especially a breeding troop) for Orana. It would be difficult for Orana to place their gorillas elsewhere as Taronga will be at capacity with four bachelor males; and while Werribee have the space, they’d surely be unwilling to rock the boat when they have a cohesive troop of three males. About the only way I could it happening is if one of Orana’s males died and the other male then went to Werribee, which would presumably be down to two themselves by then (due to Motaba’s age).

With regards to Auckland and Orana’s ape complexes, Siamang need to go. Like you say, both zoos could accomodate them elsewhere on site and imagine the possibilities it would open up for Bornean orangutans in the region if you had two facilities, with a combined total of four (spacious) exhibits.

If Daya produces a daughter next year, then retaining that daughter would assist Auckland in establishing a larger cohesive colony. They’ve struck gold with Melur/Daya, but there’s no guarantee another unrelated female would assimilate as well into the colony. If the third female was instead Daya’s daughter, who was allowed to mature and breed within Auckland’s colony, they’d have two reproductive aged females (plus Melur) for many years to come.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I’m think orangutan could be a cost effective alternative to gorillas (especially a breeding troop) for Orana. It would be difficult for Orana to place their gorillas elsewhere as Taronga will be at capacity with four bachelor males; and while Werribee have the space, they’d surely be unwilling to rock the boat when they have a cohesive troop of three males. About the only way I could it happening is if one of Orana’s males died and the other male then went to Werribee, which would presumably be down to two themselves by then (due to Motaba’s age).

With regards to Auckland and Orana’s ape complexes, Siamang need to go. Like you say, both zoos could accomodate them elsewhere on site and imagine the possibilities it would open up for Bornean orangutans in the region if you had two facilities, with a combined total of four (spacious) exhibits.

If Daya produces a daughter next year, then retaining that daughter would assist Auckland in establishing a larger cohesive colony. They’ve struck gold with Melur/Daya, but there’s no guarantee another unrelated female would assimilate as well into the colony. If the third female was instead Daya’s daughter, who was allowed to mature and breed within Auckland’s colony, they’d have two reproductive aged females (plus Melur) for many years to come.

I agree about Orana. Siamang are nowhere near the drawcard great apes are, and if the gorillas are phased out, that will leave Orana without them. Bornean orangutans would be a viable alternative, as shown by the popularity of the Auckland visitors in 2017.

Agreed, Daya having a daughter is likely to provide a harmonious colony, but that would necessitate transferring out Bahmi and the difficulties of integrating a new male with the females. Auckland would have to proceed very carefully with this!

If Daya produces a son, he could become a founder at Orana in due course, with new female companions.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree about Orana. Siamang are nowhere near the drawcard great apes are, and if the gorillas are phased out, that will leave Orana without them. Bornean orangutans would be a viable alternative, as shown by the popularity of the Auckland visitors in 2017.

Agreed, Daya having a daughter is likely to provide a harmonious colony, but that would necessitate transferring out Bahmi and the difficulties of integrating a new male with the females. Auckland would have to proceed very carefully with this!

If Daya produces a son, he could become a founder at Orana in due course, with new female companions.

Apparently Orana’s Siamang moved out of their island exhibit (which I thought was a fantastic exhibit for them) due to the moat being insufficient to meet containment specifications. That would need addressing (which requires money), but that’s not to say it’s out of reach for them long term.

If Orana had the opportunity to establish an orangutan colony within the decade, then another option (if Daya’s infant is female) is for Bahmi to found Orana’s colony. He could be joined by a female (or two), with the long plan being for Orana’s second exhibit to manage a second group of orangutan derived from Bahmi’s group (i.e. a son of Bahmi).

Auckland has certainly struck gold with their adult males also, though it’s worth noting that as adolescents, Charlie and Isim weren’t so popular with the females. Indra (and Intan) found Charlie bothersome in his adolescence/young adulthood; and while Gangsa adored the then prime aged Charlie when she arrived in the 2000’s, she didn’t have as good a relationship with Isim once he hit adolescence (despite living together as a pair).

 

[Zorro]

It does make sense that they would prioritise breeding from Kluet, and I hope that the Perth renovations will be completed soon so that they can facilitiate this.

I agree, Bindi's Island sounds like a colossal waste of resources - a sizeable space that was meant for great apes being relegated to several species of smaller animals which could have easily been located elsewhere.

If I recall correctly the moat for the Islands were actually dug out by Steve himself, It would of made a good great ape exhibit but because of what happened the Island is a slap dash mix of species which I find is completely underwhelming!. With all that was stated in the past on the zoos website (long removed) with the wanted species and the 3 stages of construction it's hard to see how as they do claim they are keeping his dream alive?

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Apparently Orana’s Siamang moved out of their island exhibit (which I thought was a fantastic exhibit for them) due to the moat being insufficient to meet containment specifications. That would need addressing (which requires money), but that’s not to say it’s out of reach for them long term.

If Orana had the opportunity to establish an orangutan colony within the decade, then another option (if Daya’s infant is female) is for Bahmi to found Orana’s colony. He could be joined by a female (or two), with the long plan being for Orana’s second exhibit to manage a second group of orangutan derived from Bahmi’s group (i.e. a son of Bahmi).

Auckland has certainly struck gold with their adult males also, though it’s worth noting that as adolescents, Charlie and Isim weren’t so popular with the females. Indra (and Intan) found Charlie bothersome in his adolescence/young adulthood; and while Gangsa adored the then prime aged Charlie when she arrived in the 2000’s, she didn’t have as good a relationship with Isim once he hit adolescence (despite living together as a pair).

Hopefully there will be a reinstatement of the original Orana siamang exhibit, with necessary modifications made. I too did like that exhibit and feel that in the long term, the Great Ape Centre should remain reserved for great apes, whether Orana retains gorillas or establishes an orangutan colony, either alongside of, or in place of, Western lowland gorillas.

Bahmi and his sons could indeed found an Orana colony, although my own hope is for Bahmi to be retained at Auckland Zoo, not just because I am very fond of him, but because of the sweet bond he has forged with Daya - you mentioned previous adult females finding adolescent males bothersome, but since Daya has bonded with Bahmi, first as an infant and now as a juvenile, perhaps she will find him less so as he matures. Bahmi seems to have a very similar temperament to his older brother Madju, and there is a similar age gap between Madju and his older female companion, Luna. Madju went from being a mischievous youngster to becoming a gentle male, and I can see aspects of that sweetness in young Bahmi already, so a Bahmi x Daya pairing would most likely play out similar to the harmonious bond Madju and Luna now share.

I can sort of understand the current siamang setup at Orana since the siamang group is now a breeding colony, but I still think Auckland's current siamang exhibit would be better utilised by a second orangutan group.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo - Orangutan Park (1987-2017)

I recently came across an old publication in my collection celebrating Auckland Zoo’s 75th anniversary. It noted milestones throughout the zoo’s history and I found this interesting note regarding the zoo’s orangutan exhibit:

The 75th Anniversary of Auckland Zoo heralds a new era in zoo history. This year has been an exciting year for the zoo with opening of the new lemur exhibit, the Kinder Surprise children’s area, the revamped kiwi and tuatara house and an extension to the orangutan enclosure.

Source: Auckland Zoo - 75 Years (1922-1997)

It was news to me that Orangtuan Park was extended. I had always assumed the paddock I saw from the early 2000’s through to its demolition in 2017 was unchanged in footprint from when it first opened in 1987; but apparently there was an extension in 1997.

@Hix previously shared this photo taken April 1990:



Page 24-25 of this document show aerial shots of Orangutan Park circa 2011, showing an extension of the outdoor paddock compared to the above photo:

https://www.researchgate.net/public...ication_friendship_and_ethics_between_species

As we know, the original plan for Orangutan Park was two smaller outdoor exhibits and two night houses. Presumably due to costs, they instead went for a medium sized exhibit, that they subsequently extended to a large exhibit in 1997.

In 1997, Auckland Zoo had six orangutans, following the export of Datuk (1989) the previous year:

1.0 Horst (1978) Imported 1983
1.0 Charlie (1981) Imported 1984
0.1 Dara (1977) Imported 1983
0.1 Indra (1980) Imported 1983
0.1 Intan (1989) Horst x Indra
1.0 Isim (1994) Horst x Indra

Horst and Charlie rotated access to the female group.

The document linked above outlines Auckland Zoo’s holding capacity of one outdoor exhibit; one indoor day room; three dens; and an annex primarily used to house the male not on rotation, but also as a maternity ward. Melur spent most of Madju’s first few weeks here; with it later housing Isim (and Wanita) when Melur/Madju rejoined Charlie’s group.

The three dens were only suitable for overnight housing and the raceway connecting the outdoor arena to the playroom was usually kept open to allow the display group access to an indoor area should it rain (though they could also seperate it off with the outdoor group having access to the dens). With this in mind, the zoo could comfortably hold 2-3 groupings.

It’s interesting to note that the zoo chose to extend the outdoor paddock, rather than invest in additional separation facilities (another night house; a separate paddock etc). A third grouping was required as Isim reached adolescence and this was accommodated in the old chimpanzee exhibit, which opened up for the orangutans in 2005.

In 1999, Auckland Zoo received a breeding recommendation for what could have easily become their fourth male on site (the resulting infant was female and died as a neonate in 2000). There was clearly some confidence in being able to transfer a male out (likely Horst or Isim to Taronga) at this point in time.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Update - Charlie and Daya, Auckland Zoo
I was at Auckland Zoo earlier today, and it's very obvious that Charlie's interest in Daya is rapidly increasing, and Daya even seems to be welcoming all the attention. Charlie was following Daya all around the habitat, and although normally very food-motivated, he seemed more interested in keeping company with her than eating. Melur had been grooming Charlie by the window earlier, but moved aside and allowed Daya to take over the grooming, which she willingly did for quite a long time. Later, as Daya napped in the one nesting basket remaining near the window (Daya having wrecked the others by untying the ropes, with a little added assistance from little Bahmi ) Charlie sat snuggled up against her, even stroking her hair for a couple of minutes. Bahmi later attempted to wake Daya up so she could play with him - using his usual technique of thumping her on the back of her head - which made Charlie grab Bahmi's hand off Daya and shove him away. Bahmi then fled to his mother for comfort, while Charlie remained at Daya's side.

Staff confirmed that Charlie has been doing this frequently - even though Daya is not yet at peak fertility, Charlie is at last viewing her as an adult female and Daya is not at all averse to his attentions!

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo Update

Update from my visit (31/10/2025):

As usual, the orangutans were very active. I recall wondering when the exhibit opened in 2020 whether their engagement would drop as the novelty wore off; but I’ve seen no sign of that. The keepers work hard to provide a variety of enrichment; but clearly the design of the exhibit is naturally stimulating, promoting behaviours seldom seen in the old Orangutan Park exhibit (1987-2017).

Daya spent all of the time I was there alone. She’s put on a bit of weight over the last year; though in terms of stature, she’s a lot smaller than Melur. It’s been just over two months since @ApeLadyNZ reported Daya was taken off contraception, so depending what type of contraception she was on, she could potentially welcome her first infant next year.

There was an interaction between Charlie and Melur, where Charlie attempted to grab Melur, presumably to initiate mating. Melur vocalised in response and hit him in the face, with Charlie then moving away. I’ve seen a number of similar interactions over the past couple of years. Charlie is considered a gentle male for his species; and while I don’t expect his interest to be reciprocated while Melur is preoccupied with their son Bahmi, they otherwise cohabit without issue.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo Update

Update from my visit (31/10/2025):

As usual, the orangutans were very active. I recall wondering when the exhibit opened in 2020 whether their engagement would drop as the novelty wore off; but I’ve seen no sign of that. The keepers work hard to provide a variety of enrichment; but clearly the design of the exhibit is naturally stimulating, promoting behaviours seldom seen in the old Orangutan Park exhibit (1987-2017).

Daya spent all of the time I was there alone. She’s put on a bit of weight over the last year; though in terms of stature, she’s a lot smaller than Melur. It’s been just over two months since @ApeLadyNZ reported Daya was taken off contraception, so depending what type of contraception she was on, she could potentially welcome her first infant next year.

There was an interaction between Charlie and Melur, where Charlie attempted to grab Melur, presumably to initiate mating. Melur vocalised in response and hit him in the face, with Charlie then moving away. I’ve seen a number of similar interactions over the past couple of years. Charlie is considered a gentle male for his species; and while I don’t expect his interest to be reciprocated while Melur is preoccupied with their son Bahmi, they otherwise cohabit without issue.

It's interesting that Daya was mostly alone on your last visit and that Charlie was attempting to mate with Melur. Melur's reaction was fairly typical for her these days - she seems to be showing little interest in Charlie in that regard, although she will occasionally sit with him and groom him.

I was at the zoo today, and Charlie was back to his behaviour of following Daya around wherever she went - Daya seemed quite relaxed around Charlie and was happy to have him sit near her, and at one point they were eating together. Bahmi was keeping a respectful distance this time around from Charlie and Daya, moving around the habitat with his mother, feeding and later playfully wrestling in the last remaining window nest with her.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's interesting that Daya was mostly alone on your last visit and that Charlie was attempting to mate with Melur. Melur's reaction was fairly typical for her these days - she seems to be showing little interest in Charlie in that regard, although she will occasionally sit with him and groom him.

I was at the zoo today, and Charlie was back to his behaviour of following Daya around wherever she went - Daya seemed quite relaxed around Charlie and was happy to have him sit near her, and at one point they were eating together. Bahmi was keeping a respectful distance this time around from Charlie and Daya, moving around the habitat with his mother, feeding and later playfully wrestling in the last remaining window nest with her.

Charlie has lived with a total of seven adult females while at Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Dara (1977-2000): 1984-2000 (died)
0.1 Indra (1980): 1984-2005 (exported)
0.1 Intan (1989-2013): 1989-2005 (exported)
0.1 Wanita (1979-2022): 2001-2022 (died)
0.1 Gangsa (1989): 2001-2009 (exported)
0.1 Melur (1988): 2001- (alive)
0.1 Daya (2012): 2023- (alive)

As a generalisation, Charlie hasn’t been overly discerning. The zoo once had signage detailing the apes likes and dislikes and one of Charlie’s likes was ‘females’, which I’d agree is pretty accurate. The only one of the above females he showed no interest in was Wanita (hysterectomised female), who also held no attraction for the other Auckland males.

Charlie was the youngest of Auckland’s original quartet and Indra considered him something of a nuisance during his adolescence and sub-adult years. I know nothing of his relationship with Dara during that time; but it’s reasonable to assume his advances were unwanted during the infant and juvenile years of her son Datuk. Unlike Indra, she didn’t breed again for 11 years, so potentially thawed towards Charlie in her final years, especially as he developed into a flanged male. Either way they produced the female infant that died shortly after birth (followed by Dara’s own death).

The Taronga imports were apparently welcomed by Indra as a diversion of Charlie’s attention from her. Intan also favoured Horst, possibly due to her mother’s relationship with Charlie.

Melur’s relationship with Charlie has varied from amicable to fair depending on whether she’s been raising young at the time. The keepers have said ‘preoccupied’ sums up Melur best, which I fully agree with.

Of the above females, Gangsa was the most obsessed with Charlie by far. Personality surely had an influence, but demographically speaking, she had no dependent offspring to divert her attention; and upon arriving as an adolescent, no doubt found the prime aged (and fully flanged) Charlie highly attractive.

Daya is a relatively new arrival, so it’ll be interesting to see how her relationship with Charlie tracks. My assumption is her interest will decline upon the birth of her first infant; but with Bahmi turning four years in March, perhaps Melur will soon have more time for Charlie. Daya’s infant could time perfectly in that regard.