Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo News 2025

[Kifaru Bwana]

I spoke to one of the managers at the zoo in 1999 he told me that the tortoises had avoided the then concrete pool all the time, I suggested that they replace the water with sand I am not sure if that happened but I do know that years before the San Deigo zoo had some work done in the Giant tortoise exhibit which resulted in some piles of sand being left over in which if was found that the Tortoises were using it not only for being able to be a better mating area but also some eggs being laid in it so luckily a good lesson leant!

Yes, the tortoises need sand and loose soil substrates to dig their nesting holes and lay their eggs.

Being star attractions most zoos have exhibited giant tortoises in the traditional fashion of hard standing or concrete floorings. This among other things like not separating males from females explains why most zoos do not manage to breed their tortoises.

In fact, the record is in pretty poor so far ... and private breeders have long surpassed zoos in the breeding stakes for both Aldabran tortoise and the Galapagos giant tortoises. Even in this day and age most zoos seem reluctant to have their pure-bred Galapagos tortoises live with their correct species...!

A further peeve of mine is that zoos are reflectant to test their pure-bred Galapagos tortoises according to the Santa Cruz Charles Darwin Center genetic testing protocols developped by Yale University (Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo also similarly has the expertise to test the Galapagos internationally).

A flickering and rays of hope exists in that increasingly now zoos with known wild born Galapagos tortoises are storting to have theirs tested using the latest technology and it is high time that internationally exchanges happen across Continents and individual nations and less treat them as the zoo's "items" and not share or exchange in the interest of species conservation (Remember: there are 15 species of Galapagos tortoise with 12 extant, 1 functionally extinct and 2 extinct).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

From socials:

Happy thirteenth birthday to Bornean orangutan Daya!

Auckland Zoo - We’re wishing Daya the happiest of birthdays – as... | Facebook

Now that Daya is in her teens, I hope Auckland Zoo will be giving some more attention to breeding from Charlie and Daya, what with both orangutans' genetic value and Charlie's advancing age being factors.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo News

Update from my visit (27/05/2025):

Exciting news! Southern white rhinoceros Zambezi and Jamila have a breeding recommendation for a fourth calf together. 24-26 months is a common natural birth interval for this species, so hopefully Auckland Zoo will welcome a calf anytime from December 2026. The zoo is prioritising housing Zambezi and Jamila together, who were cohabiting with their two youngest offspring on my visit.

Adolescent rhino Nyah was off display, though she does still have interactions with her mother and younger siblings. The keeper I spoke to confirmed the current plan is to export her to an Australian zoo (which one is unconfirmed). Looking at the regional population list, my money is on Dubbo.

Rhino groupings:

1.0 Zambezi (00/00/1992) Wild x Wild
0.1 Jamila (06/03/2012) Kruger x Moesha
0.1 Amali (24/09/2022) Zambezi x Jamila
1.0 Zuka (13/12/2024) Zambezi x Jamila

0.1 Nyah (14/08/2020) Zambezi x Jamila

Southern White Rhinoceros (Breeding Pair):



Kiraka the Giraffe is on contraception as the zoo plan to take a break from breeding. She has been gaining weight, but keepers believe this a side-effect of the contraception.

Happy 13th Birthday to Daya the Bornean orangutan! I didn’t get chance to ask about breeding plans, but I will make this a priority on my next visit.

Daya (13th Birthday):



Sumatran tigers Zayana and Cahya were cohabiting in the large exhibit; while Ramah had the run of the small and medium exhibit. The zoo seem to be favouring this arrangement of late. Considering Cahya is now 16 months old, it’s good to see her and Zayana remain together for the time being.

The Galapagos giant tortoise were housed in 1.1 pairs (the exhibit allows for separation into two groups). This was in contrast to the breeding male (Smiley) living with both females on previous visits; and Willy (non-viable breeding male) living alone, but adjacent to the others. If I see a keeper on my next visit, I’ll ask whether the purpose of this arrangement is to motivate Smiley to breed.

Only two male Asian small-clawed otter were on exhibit. The third is alive and well, but being held off-display for the time being. There’s been more hierarchy disputes and so a temporary separation is being undertaken before a reintroduction is attempted.

I will discuss future developments in the developments thread.

Photos from my visit are here:

Auckland Zoo - ZooChat

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo News

Update from my visit (27/05/2025):

Exciting news! Southern white rhinoceros Zambezi and Jamila have a breeding recommendation for a fourth calf together. 24-26 months is a common natural birth interval for this species, so hopefully Auckland Zoo will welcome a calf anytime from December 2026. The zoo is prioritising housing Zambezi and Jamila together, who were cohabiting with their two youngest offspring on my visit.

Adolescent rhino Nyah was off display, though she does still have interactions with her mother and younger siblings. The keeper I spoke to confirmed the current plan is to export her to an Australian zoo (which one is unconfirmed). Looking at the regional population list, my money is on Dubbo.

Rhino groupings:

1.0 Zambezi (00/00/1992) Wild x Wild
0.1 Jamila (06/03/2012) Kruger x Moesha
0.1 Amali (24/09/2022) Zambezi x Jamila
1.0 Zuka (13/12/2024) Zambezi x Jamila

0.1 Nyah (14/08/2020) Zambezi x Jamila

Southern White Rhinoceros (Breeding Pair):

View attachment 795791

Kiraka the Giraffe is on contraception as the zoo plan to take a break from breeding. She has been gaining weight, but keepers believe this a side-effect of the contraception.

Happy 13th Birthday to Daya the Bornean orangutan! I didn’t get chance to ask about breeding plans, but I will make this a priority on my next visit.

Daya (13th Birthday):

View attachment 795790

Sumatran tigers Zayana and Cahya were cohabiting in the large exhibit; while Ramah had the run of the small and medium exhibit. The zoo seem to be favouring this arrangement of late. Considering Cahya is now 16 months old, it’s good to see her and Zayana remain together for the time being.

The Galapagos giant tortoise were housed in 1.1 pairs (the exhibit allows for separation into two groups). This was in contrast to the breeding male (Smiley) living with both females on previous visits; and Willy (non-viable breeding male) living alone, but adjacent to the others. If I see a keeper on my next visit, I’ll ask whether the purpose of this arrangement is to motivate Smiley to breed.

Only two male Asian small-clawed otter were on exhibit. The third is alive and well, but being held off-display for the time being. There’s been more hierarchy disputes and so a temporary separation is being undertaken before a reintroduction is attempted.

I will discuss future developments in the developments thread.

Photos from my visit are here:

Auckland Zoo - ZooChat

Thanks for the update! I am very happy to hear that Zambezi and Jamila have been recommended for a fourth calf. They are most likely the most successful breeding pair of rhinoceros in NZ, and all their offspring have been healthy and vigorous so far. I was at the zoo on Sunday, but did not manage to catch sight of Jamila and the calves, unfortunately, only Zambezi who was at the front of the exhibit on his own (the others presumably having gone to the back where they weren't visible).

A volunteer I spoke to regarding Daya said that Charlie has been mating with Melur of late, and that Daya "looked traumatized" as a result. I am thinking, though, that might be a bit of anthropomorphism coming through there, though, as no doubt Daya would have witnessed her late father Bako mating with her mother Jewel and with her half-sister's mother, Tjintha, so such a sight would not be unfamiliar to her.

Interesting that the giraffe breeding programme is on hold. Perhaps they are waiting for Enzi to be old enough to transfer out. I am also curious as to when they will consider breeding from Sumatran tigers Ramah and Zayana again - since Cahya is still under 2 years old, I don't expect it will be for quite some time.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the update! I am very happy to hear that Zambezi and Jamila have been recommended for a fourth calf. They are most likely the most successful breeding pair of rhinoceros in NZ, and all their offspring have been healthy and vigorous so far. I was at the zoo on Sunday, but did not manage to catch sight of Jamila and the calves, unfortunately, only Zambezi who was at the front of the exhibit on his own (the others presumably having gone to the back where they weren't visible).

To my knowledge, no pair of Southern white rhinoceros in the region have produced more than three offspring together that survived to adulthood, so it would be a milestone is Zambezi and Jamila produced a fourth calf (with all four of their offspring surviving to adulthood).

At Hamilton Zoo, Zambezi and Caballe produced four calves (with the third being a pre-term stillbirth); at Hamilton Zoo, Kruger and Kito produced four calves (with the second being a stillbirth); and at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Umgana and Sisi produced four calves (with three dying as neonates).

A volunteer I spoke to regarding Daya said that Charlie has been mating with Melur of late, and that Daya "looked traumatized" as a result. I am thinking, though, that might be a bit of anthropomorphism coming through there, though, as no doubt Daya would have witnessed her late father Bako mating with her mother Jewel and with her half-sister's mother, Tjintha, so such a sight would not be unfamiliar to her.

That is an interesting remark. Assuming Melur was complaint in the interaction, I see no reason Daya would have been distressed by it. Perhaps it was an off-hand remark e.g. ‘Daya didn’t know where to look’ kind of thing.

Interesting that the giraffe breeding programme is on hold. Perhaps they are waiting for Enzi to be old enough to transfer out.

I imagine demand for calves (especially males) is low regionally. Wellington’s breeding female is also on contraception; and several Australian facilities are breeding at the moment.

It became urgent to shift Jabali (Auckland’s last male calf), so they’re probably relieved the latest calf (Enzi) is female and can remain at Auckland long term if no other facility can take her.

To my knowledge, Hamilton is the only facility wanting males at this time; and will probably source them from Australia with no New Zealand zoo anticipating calves in the next year. Orana will probably be next to welcome a calf, with their bull turning three in December.

I am also curious as to when they will consider breeding from Sumatran tigers Ramah and Zayana again - since Cahya is still under 2 years old, I don't expect it will be for quite some time.

I asked on my last visit and was told that no breeding recommendation has been given yet. They’re waiting for Cahya to transfer out and then from there, there’s optimism a breeding recommendation will follow for Ramah and Zayana, since they only have one surviving offspring.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

To my knowledge, no pair of Southern white rhinoceros in the region have produced more than three offspring together that survived to adulthood, so it would be a milestone is Zambezi and Jamila produced a fourth calf (with all four of their offspring surviving to adulthood).

At Hamilton Zoo, Zambezi and Caballe produced four calves (with the third being a pre-term stillbirth); at Hamilton Zoo, Kruger and Kito produced four calves (with the second being a stillbirth); and at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Umgana and Sisi produced four calves (with three dying as neonates).


That is an interesting remark. Assuming Melur was complaint in the interaction, I see no reason Daya would have been distressed by it. Perhaps it was an off-hand remark e.g. ‘Daya didn’t know where to look’ kind of thing.


I imagine demand for calves (especially males) is low regionally. Wellington’s breeding female is also on contraception; and several Australian facilities are breeding at the moment.

It became urgent to shift Jabali (Auckland’s last male calf), so they’re probably relieved the latest calf (Enzi) is female and can remain at Auckland long term if no other facility can take her.

To my knowledge, Hamilton is the only facility wanting males at this time; and will probably source them from Australia with no New Zealand zoo anticipating calves in the next year. Orana will probably be next to welcome a calf, with their bull turning three in December.


I asked on my last visit and was told that no breeding recommendation has been given yet. They’re waiting for Cahya to transfer out and then from there, there’s optimism a breeding recommendation will follow for Ramah and Zayana, since they only have one surviving offspring.

Thanks for clarifying! Is there any word about when Nyah is likely to transfer out? If they are housing her separately, it could be sooner than we think. If Nyah is able to produce offspring in Australia, as well as Jamila conceiving a fourth calf, that will be a very encouraging sign of Zambezi's valuable line continuing.

The volunteer didn't specify whether Melur was compliant or not; when she hasn't been, Melur is usually very vocal in her resistance, and this tends to lead to Charlie backing off. Perhaps the volunteer did indeed mean "didn't know where to look". If there was any distress, it'd be more likely due to her being alarmed at Melur's aggressive noises if she wasn't compliant, but even with that, it's nothing Daya wouldn't have seen before (I've seen this happen when Daya was around and Daya just ignored everything!)

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for clarifying! Is there any word about when Nyah is likely to transfer out? If they are housing her separately, it could be sooner than we think. If Nyah is able to produce offspring in Australia, as well as Jamila conceiving a fourth calf, that will be a very encouraging sign of Zambezi's valuable line continuing.

The volunteer didn't specify whether Melur was compliant or not; when she hasn't been, Melur is usually very vocal in her resistance, and this tends to lead to Charlie backing off. Perhaps the volunteer did indeed mean "didn't know where to look". If there was any distress, it'd be more likely due to her being alarmed at Melur's aggressive noises if she wasn't compliant, but even with that, it's nothing Daya wouldn't have seen before (I've seen this happen when Daya was around and Daya just ignored everything!)

Nyah the white rhino is already cycling and turns five this year, so I would imagine anytime within the next 12 months. There’s no indication they intend to wait for Amali to be of an age to join her; and in any case, having two full siblings in one breeding herd isn’t ideal from a genetics point of view.

Nyah’s maternal grandparents (Kruger and Moesha) are becoming well represented. Their shared son (Kifaru) is Werribee’s breeding bull; and Kruger has another four surviving offspring with Caballe and Kito.

Considering Bahmi’s age, it wouldn’t be surprising if Melur is cycling again (if she isn’t already). He was making half-hearted attempts to suckle on my visit, but appears to mostly be weaned now (and is very independent!)

 

[Jambo]

Nyah the white rhino is already cycling and turns five this year, so I would imagine anytime within the next 12 months. There’s no indication they intend to wait for Amali to be of an age to join her; and in any case, having two full siblings in one breeding herd isn’t ideal from a genetics point of view.

It's possible they may just elect to send both over to Australia together on the same plane, which may be more cost effective. Doesn't necessarily mean they end up going to the same facility.

Dubbo is the obvious choice for one of them. The other could go to Sydney (in a non breeding situation) to accompany their bull. As you've acknowledged, Jamila's side is quite well represented.

 

[Zoofan15]

It's possible they may just elect to send both over to Australia together on the same plane, which may be more cost effective. Doesn't necessarily mean they end up going to the same facility.

Dubbo is the obvious choice for one of them. The other could go to Sydney (in a non breeding situation) to accompany their bull. As you've acknowledged, Jamila's side is quite well represented.

Sydney Zoo is certainly a possibility for the second cow; as well as Altina if they elect to swap one of their cows out in the future.

The Southern white rhinoceros breeding programme favours placing cows in breeding situations as soon as they reach reproductive age to negate the effects of delayed breeding/non-breeding on their reproductive systems. I’d therefore expect Amali to go into a breeding herd so they at least have the option to breed from her in the future (after she produces her first calf). If representation becomes an issue, they can scale back on breeding from male descendants (which they already have to a degree, with Kruger’s sons with Kito designated non-breeding for now).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Considering Bahmi’s age, it wouldn’t be surprising if Melur is cycling again (if she isn’t already). He was making half-hearted attempts to suckle on my visit, but appears to mostly be weaned now (and is very independent!)

It could very well be that Melur is cycling again. While I've seen Bahmi still suckling from Melur, it seems to be more of an affectionate gesture when he wants a cuddle than a need for food - he is happily munching away on a wide variety of solid foods each time I visit (sometimes after poking or whacking Daya with said items! )

I wonder if we may see another breeding recommendation for Charlie and Melur around the same time one comes for Charlie and Daya?

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Sydney Zoo is certainly a possibility for the second cow; as well as Altina if they elect to swap one of their cows out in the future.

The Southern white rhinoceros breeding programme favours placing cows in breeding situations as soon as they reach reproductive age to negate the effects of delayed breeding/non-breeding on their reproductive systems. I’d therefore expect Amali to go into a breeding herd so they at least have the option to breed from her in the future (after she produces her first calf). If representation becomes an issue, they can scale back on breeding from male descendants (which they already have to a degree, with Kruger’s sons with Kito designated non-breeding for now).

The Auckland female offspring Amali and Nyah need to be moved out A.S.A.P. at 3,5 / 4,0 years both are reprodutively mature and able to breed.

 

[Zoofan15]

The Auckland female offspring Amali and Nyah need to be moved out A.S.A.P. at 3,5 / 4,0 years both are reprodutively mature and able to breed.

Nyah (2020) is already cycling and held seperate from her father to prevent inbreeding.

Amali (2022) was housed with her parents and younger brother when I visited last week, so presumably she’s not cycling yet, but won’t be long.

 

[Zoofan15]

Female Awakōpaka skink arrives:

From socials:

Earlier this year, our ectotherm team leader Dave Laux journeyed to the beautiful Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland on a mission to locate more elusive awakōpaka skinks. This was the second time we’ve ventured here, in a collaborative effort with @docgovtnz and Ngāi Tahu, to help safeguard these endemic lizards, which are currently known only from this one tiny location.

In late 2023, five of these ‘Nationally Critical’ skinks were urgently translocated to the Zoo, as a predicted beech mast (seeding event) threatened to increase invasive predators in the area. Mice and rats are omnivores and eat a wide diet, including lizards – and only about 20 individual awakōpaka skinks have ever been recorded so their numbers are likely dangerously low.

Dave was joined by other herpetologists tasked with finding awakōpaka females, to pair with the males found in the previous trip and now safely housed in a special facility at the Zoo. At the end of a week-long search, and after checking more than 150 lizard traps every day, a single female was found and carefully transported to the Zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

Slender-tailed meerkat update:

The pups have been sexed as 2.2 and named as follows:

From socials:

Our carnivore team have recently sexed the pups and have given them names. The two females are called Asha (meaning thunderbolt) and Akanni (one who is special to have), while the two males are Arziki (powerful) and Ajani (he who wins the struggle or victor).

At three months old, they’re now starting to dig and hunt for themselves! Here, you’ll see the whole mob energetically digging through rotting logs and searching for food like mealworms. They also received special enrichment —a frozen star-shape filled with peas and corn, which allows them to enjoy it and forage for longer.

——————

It’s interesting to see the pups all receive A names. The zoo plans to continue breeding from this mob, so I imagine the long term plan is for the next litter to receive B names etc.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo Update

Update from my visit (08/07/2025):

I had a very enjoyable visit to Auckland Zoo on Tuesday with @Swanson02 and his girlfriend.

In addition to a more lengthy update on Cahya I posted in the Sumatran tiger population thread, I have a few minor updates:

The three flamingo chicks (Kokoto, Waridi and Zahri) are thriving and the flock (which numbers 31 flamingo) was making full use of the water area. The renovations to the exhibit have been a resounding success in increasing the useable area for the birds.

The larger Tasmanian devil exhibit is still empty. Wiri and Wayana occupy the other exhibit (which is two smaller interconnected exhibits). Birthing season has recently wrapped up in Australia, so I anticipate they’ll be an import soon, now there’s a clearer picture of what’s non-reproductive surplus.

The on display grouping of Southern white rhinoceros was Zambezi (1992), Jamila (2012), Amali (2022) and Zuka (2024). As mentioned in my previous update, the intention is to maximise the chance of breeding between Zambezi and Jamila by keeping them together as much as possible. The two elderly Waterbuck (both females) are still alive, which was good to see.

There’s been unfortunately been no breeding success between Cape porcupine Lawrence and Snickers. Mwiba is still at zoo (off display), though he will be transferring out soon. My money is on the National Zoo and Aquarium, who are planning to open a Cape porcupine exhibit this year.

There’s still only two otters on display, decreasing hopes the third brother will ever be reintegrated.

Female Bornean orangutans Melur and Daya have clearly formed a good relationship. In the morning they (and Bahmi) were playing together in the grass; and then patrolled the perimeter exhibit, with Melur spending some time licking the walls. I couldn’t see any enrichment pasted on the wall, so not sure what that was about. In the afternoon, the three of them climbed up to the window spots where they spent the rest of our visit. Charlie kept his distance the entire time.

 

[Cassidy Casuar]

No more news about the planned frilled lizards, I take it? It feels as though Auckland has had no luck a-tall in importing reptiles since they got their Tomistoma.

 

[Zoofan15]

No more news about the planned frilled lizards, I take it? It feels as though Auckland has had no luck a-tall in importing reptiles since they got their Tomistoma.

Sadly not. Their intended exhibit still only held Cunningham’s skink on our visit (albeit a large number of them).

You’re right. Despite import applications being made for a plethora of South East Asian turtles, the False gharial remain the only reptile in the tropical dome. Aside from the Asian arowana, the fish hold little interest for the general public, who basically look for the False gharial and leave.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo Update

Update from my visit (08/07/2025):

I had a very enjoyable visit to Auckland Zoo on Tuesday with @Swanson02 and his girlfriend.

In addition to a more lengthy update on Cahya I posted in the Sumatran tiger population thread, I have a few minor updates:

The three flamingo chicks (Kokoto, Waridi and Zahri) are thriving and the flock (which numbers 31 flamingo) was making full use of the water area. The renovations to the exhibit have been a resounding success in increasing the useable area for the birds.

The larger Tasmanian devil exhibit is still empty. Wiri and Wayana occupy the other exhibit (which is two smaller interconnected exhibits). Birthing season has recently wrapped up in Australia, so I anticipate they’ll be an import soon, now there’s a clearer picture of what’s non-reproductive surplus.

The on display grouping of Southern white rhinoceros was Zambezi (1992), Jamila (2012), Amali (2022) and Zuka (2024). As mentioned in my previous update, the intention is to maximise the chance of breeding between Zambezi and Jamila by keeping them together as much as possible. The two elderly Waterbuck (both females) are still alive, which was good to see.

There’s been unfortunately been no breeding success between Cape porcupine Lawrence and Snickers. Mwiba is still at zoo (off display), though he will be transferring out soon. My money is on the National Zoo and Aquarium, who are planning to open a Cape porcupine exhibit this year.

There’s still only two otters on display, decreasing hopes the third brother will ever be reintegrated.

Female Bornean orangutans Melur and Daya have clearly formed a good relationship. In the morning they (and Bahmi) were playing together in the grass; and then patrolled the perimeter exhibit, with Melur spending some time licking the walls. I couldn’t see any enrichment pasted on the wall, so not sure what that was about. In the afternoon, the three of them climbed up to the window spots where they spent the rest of our visit. Charlie kept his distance the entire time.

Thanks for the update! Great news about Melur and Daya. I was at the zoo this past Saturday and noticed how close and attentive Melur was to both Bahmi and Daya. I also was told some very interesting information from a volunteer - Melur is actually becoming a bit more "hands on" when Bahmi is likely to attempt something risky, remaining nearby if that is the case. Usually she encourages his independence, but perhaps with Bahmi now being a juvenile rather than an infant, and having experienced similar things with Madju, Melur is proactively preventing Bahmi from getting into trouble!

I also witnessed Melur intervening in "wrestling" between Daya and Bahmi, which is not usual for her. Most times Melur knows it's just play and allows the two of them to sort it out until Daya moves away or Bahmi desists, but this time she seemed to have decided the rough housing was getting too rough, and she got between the pair of them, baring her teeth at them both. She seemed every bit as protective of Daya as she was of Bahmi!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the update! Great news about Melur and Daya. I was at the zoo this past Saturday and noticed how close and attentive Melur was to both Bahmi and Daya. I also was told some very interesting information from a volunteer - Melur is actually becoming a bit more "hands on" when Bahmi is likely to attempt something risky, remaining nearby if that is the case. Usually she encourages his independence, but perhaps with Bahmi now being a juvenile rather than an infant, and having experienced similar things with Madju, Melur is proactively preventing Bahmi from getting into trouble!

I also witnessed Melur intervening in "wrestling" between Daya and Bahmi, which is not usual for her. Most times Melur knows it's just play and allows the two of them to sort it out until Daya moves away or Bahmi desists, but this time she seemed to have decided the rough housing was getting too rough, and she got between the pair of them, baring her teeth at them both. She seemed every bit as protective of Daya as she was of Bahmi!

That’s interesting. Bahmi has certainly become noticeably more independent in the past year. On my previous visit, he was climbing the trees with Daya, while Melur was in the next tree over. Melur was noted to have been a very permissive mother to Madju, comapred to Indra, who was more strict. The adjustment to her parenting style could be attributed to the increased complexity of the habitat. Orangutan Park (1987-2017) was basically a grass field with a climbing frame.

It sounds like Melur is playing a peacemaking role in what she perceives as a conflict (or something with the potential to escalate into a conflict). Charlie used to play that role when Wanita and Melur squabbled (their fighting irritated him) and following any sudden loud noise (e.g. thunder), he’d take off after both on them, perhaps convinced they’d caused it. It was almost like he knew the females caused loud, unpleasant noises; so therefore believed the females caused all loud, unpleasant nosies.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That’s interesting. Bahmi has certainly become noticeably more independent in the past year. On my previous visit, he was climbing the trees with Daya, while Melur was in the next tree over. Melur was noted to have been a very permissive mother to Madju, comapred to Indra, who was more strict. The adjustment to her parenting style could be attributed to the increased complexity of the habitat. Orangutan Park (1987-2017) was basically a grass field with a climbing frame.

It sounds like Melur is playing a peacemaking role in what she perceives as a conflict (or something with the potential to escalate into a conflict). Charlie used to play that role when Wanita and Melur squabbled (their fighting irritated him) and following any sudden loud noise (e.g. thunder), he’d take off after both on them, perhaps convinced they’d caused it. It was almost like he knew the females caused loud, unpleasant noises; so therefore believed the females caused all loud, unpleasant nosies.

That's a good point - the complexity of the habitat, complete with aerial pathways, would indeed be a factor for Melur being more watchful over Bahmi as he gets more daring with his exploits. And I too think that Melur was playing peacemaker due to a possible perceived conflict escalation. I've witnessed Charlie react to thunder in the way that you've mentioned, though I've never seen Charlie intervene in any conflicts between Daya and Bahmi.

I am really happy with the relationship Melur and Daya have developed; it seems very similar to relationships I've heard of between orangutan mothers and their older daughters. Before the placards with information about the orangutans were put up, visitors unaware of the longer childhoods of orangutans would often ask volunteers if Daya was the baby born in 2022 and if Bahmi was a newborn, since Melur often grooms or sits and eats with Daya, suggesting mother/child interactions to some.