Australasian Orangutan Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

Regionally, there’s been a wide variance of interactions between male and female orangutans. Some have been devoted to each other (Charlie and Gangsa; Kluet and Karta); while others have formed amicable pairs/trios (Charlie with Wanita/Gangsa). Some have been less accomodating such as Puspa at Adelaide, who couldn’t even be housed with her daughter once she reached adolescence and hasn’t bonded with Kluet.

The report @steveroberts posted noted an infant at Perth Zoo was killed by a sub-adult male, which although appears to have been an isolated incident, is something zoos these days are careful of when re-introducing the mother/infant to the group. I recall Isim being separated from the main group when Madju was born (with Wanita for company); with him being 11 years old and well and truly at the age Charlie would have begun to see him as a threat (Charlie outwore his welcome with Horst at a much younger age; and Madju’s export at 10 years was about Charlie’s limit).

Interactions between orangutans seem to differ as much as the individual orangutans do! I've never heard of an infant being killed by another orangutan before the incident you mentioned although I've heard of incidents of adolescents dying of infection after being bitten by adult males.

Madju seems to have matured at a faster rate than Isim did, which he has in common with his maternal half-uncle Kecil at Brookfield Zoo, who began to grow flanges when he was separated from the main family group and housed with former foster-sister Kekasih, probably with a view to them being a breeding pair going forward.

I can understand that some colonies would have higher or lower levels of conflict due to the personalities involved - the current Auckland group is relatively peaceful and tolerant, although I did witness a minor conflict on Sunday. The keepers had just fed the orangutans through the window-slots, and Bahmi, having consumed his treats, decided to tease Daya as he often does - slapping her on the head, pulling her hair and even biting her. Daya usually reacts by moving off or lightly shoving Bahmi, but he must have really hurt her this time or annoyed her while she was eating, because she gave him quite a swat, bringing a protective Melur rushing over to chase Daya off. Even Charlie seemed to pull back when Melur charged over!

Bahmi seemed unfazed by all the chaos, and within a few minutes was back teasing Daya again, undeterred by her earlier reaction!

 

[Zoofan15]

Interactions between orangutans seem to differ as much as the individual orangutans do! I've never heard of an infant being killed by another orangutan before the incident you mentioned although I've heard of incidents of adolescents dying of infection after being bitten by adult males.

Madju seems to have matured at a faster rate than Isim did, which he has in common with his maternal half-uncle Kecil at Brookfield Zoo, who began to grow flanges when he was separated from the main family group and housed with former foster-sister Kekasih, probably with a view to them being a breeding pair going forward.

I can understand that some colonies would have higher or lower levels of conflict due to the personalities involved - the current Auckland group is relatively peaceful and tolerant, although I did witness a minor conflict on Sunday. The keepers had just fed the orangutans through the window-slots, and Bahmi, having consumed his treats, decided to tease Daya as he often does - slapping her on the head, pulling her hair and even biting her. Daya usually reacts by moving off or lightly shoving Bahmi, but he must have really hurt her this time or annoyed her while she was eating, because she gave him quite a swat, bringing a protective Melur rushing over to chase Daya off. Even Charlie seemed to pull back when Melur charged over!

Bahmi seemed unfazed by all the chaos, and within a few minutes was back teasing Daya again, undeterred by her earlier reaction!

I saw footage of Isim in 2000 in the lead up to Dara delivering Darli in June of that year. Isim was six years old and had the first signs of cheek pads coming in. Interestingly, they seemed to progress little over the next few years, which was surely a consequence of suppression from Horst and Charlie, who rotated access to the female/offspring group.

The Zoo began filming in 1999 and Charlie (then aged 18 years) was shown as a fully flanged male. I find this interesting as being housed in the same complex as Horst clearly had minimal affect (if any) on Charlie’s development. Possibly because their contact was limited to occasional visual contact versus Isim, who was housed with Charlie well into adolescence (Charlie was separated as a late juvenile).

Melur’s relaxed parenting style was attributed as the cause of Madju’s precocious nature; Indra was far more strict with Intan and Isim. Considering she gave birth to Isim when Intan was five years old, I imagine she had to grow up fast and wouldn’t have had the same benefit of her mother’s undivided attention/protection like Datuk, Isim, Madju and Bahmi.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I saw footage of Isim in 2000 in the lead up to Dara delivering Darli in June of that year. Isim was six years old and had the first signs of cheek pads coming in. Interestingly, they seemed to progress little over the next few years, which was surely a consequence of suppression from Horst and Charlie, who rotated access to the female/offspring group.

The Zoo began filming in 1999 and Charlie (then aged 18 years) was shown as a fully flanged male. I find this interesting as being housed in the same complex as Horst clearly had minimal affect (if any) on Charlie’s development. Possibly because their contact was limited to occasional visual contact versus Isim, who was housed with Charlie well into adolescence (Charlie was separated as a late juvenile).

Melur’s relaxed parenting style was attributed as the cause of Madju’s precocious nature; Indra was far more strict with Intan and Isim. Considering she gave birth to Isim when Intan was five years old, I imagine she had to grow up fast and wouldn’t have had the same benefit of her mother’s undivided attention/protection like Datuk, Isim, Madju and Bahmi.

That's interesting! Charlie seems to have become fully flanged about the same age as his eldest son, Madju, later did. And in terms of parenting, Melur is definitely on the relaxed side with Bahmi, just as she was with Madju, though Sunday's incident shows that she will get protective if she feels she has to. Usually she lets Bahmi be independent, explore, and excluding really dangerous situations, find out the natural consequences of his actions.

If Madju's trajectory is followed, Bahmi too will be a precocious juvenile and adolescent, just as he is a bold and inquisitive infant. It will be interesting to see if his affection for Daya continues long-term, as it will be a positive sign for future bonding should Auckland Zoo decide to retain him as breeding male in the future.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's interesting! Charlie seems to have become fully flanged about the same age as his eldest son, Madju, later did. And in terms of parenting, Melur is definitely on the relaxed side with Bahmi, just as she was with Madju, though Sunday's incident shows that she will get protective if she feels she has to. Usually she lets Bahmi be independent, explore, and excluding really dangerous situations, find out the natural consequences of his actions.

If Madju's trajectory is followed, Bahmi too will be a precocious juvenile and adolescent, just as he is a bold and inquisitive infant. It will be interesting to see if his affection for Daya continues long-term, as it will be a positive sign for future bonding should Auckland Zoo decide to retain him as breeding male in the future.

What’s interesting about the current dynamic is that Melur is dominant to Daya. In the previous groupings Melur has been housed in, she has been subordinate to the other females. Initially she was housed with Indra, Intan, Wanita and Gangsa; then Gangsa; then Wanita.

Since Melur is 18 months older than her half-sister, Gangsa, I’m guessing when they were imported as juveniles by Taronga Zoo that Melur would have been dominant to Gangsa; with the latter establishing herself as dominant over Melur during their adolescence at Auckland Zoo. In addition to having a strong personality, Gangsa’s possessiveness of Charlie was a driving factor in her interactions with the other females. This possessiveness certainly wasn’t seen in the other females, especially Indra who was noted to have been overwhelmed by the male attention on The Zoo.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

What’s interesting about the current dynamic is that Melur is dominant to Daya. In the previous groupings Melur has been housed in, she has been subordinate to the other females. Initially she was housed with Indra, Intan, Wanita and Gangsa; then Gangsa; then Wanita.

Since Melur is 18 months older than her half-sister, Gangsa, I’m guessing when they were imported as juveniles by Taronga Zoo that Melur would have been dominant to Gangsa; with the latter establishing herself as dominant over Melur during their adolescence at Auckland Zoo. In addition to having a strong personality, Gangsa’s possessiveness of Charlie was a driving factor in her interactions with the other females. This possessiveness certainly wasn’t seen in the other females, especially Indra who was noted to have been overwhelmed by the male attention on The Zoo.

Very true. Melur is very gentle about it for the most part, often grooming Daya, but she is very much the dominant female and Daya will quickly get out of her way if she wants something. I have also seen Melur assert herself quite a lot with Charlie - a volunteer told me that Melur used to defer to Charlie quite a bit before Bahmi was born, but since his birth, Melur has become more assertive with Charlie, growling when she wants him to give her some space and helping herself to first pick of the food on offer. The only one she lets walk all over her - sometimes quite literally, is little Bahmi, because he is an infant. She lets him get away with some very cheeky behaviour, but I have seen her put her hand up to stop him when he tried to swing down and swat her like he does with Daya and occasionally, Charlie!

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

From socials:

The Toledo Zoo - The newest Toledo Zoo resident is swinging into... | Facebook

Although this is a USA birth, there is an Australasian connection! Yasmin, the infant's mother, is also the mother of Auckland Zoo's Melur, grandmother to Madju (now resident at Busch Gardens, Florida) and Bahmi, and also great-grandmother to Madju's daughter Stella!

I was quite surprised to see that Yasmin, at her advanced age and being well represented genetically, was still in the breeding programme. Probably the genetic value of Boomer, Yasmin's male companion, and his strong bond with Yasmin, were deciding factors. Anyway, the birth of this infant (sex yet to be confirmed) is a very happy occasion and very good for the Bornean orangutan species!

 

[Zoofan15]

From socials:

The Toledo Zoo - The newest Toledo Zoo resident is swinging into... | Facebook

Although this is a USA birth, there is an Australasian connection! Yasmin, the infant's mother, is also the mother of Auckland Zoo's Melur, grandmother to Madju (now resident at Busch Gardens, Florida) and Bahmi, and also great-grandmother to Madju's daughter Stella!

I was quite surprised to see that Yasmin, at her advanced age and being well represented genetically, was still in the breeding programme. Probably the genetic value of Boomer, Yasmin's male companion, and his strong bond with Yasmin, were deciding factors. Anyway, the birth of this infant (sex yet to be confirmed) is a very happy occasion and very good for the Bornean orangutan species!

Oh wow, 46 years is a very advanced age for a female orangutan to give birth. Though I doubt we’ll ever see those limits reached within Australasia, it certainly gives confidence around Melur producing one more offspring once Bahmi is weaned. Melur turned 34 the year Bahmi was born, so could be looking at producing her next infant at around 38-40 years of age.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Oh wow, 46 years is a very advanced age for a female orangutan to give birth. Though I doubt we’ll ever see those limits reached within Australasia, it certainly gives confidence around Melur producing one more offspring once Bahmi is weaned. Melur turned 34 the year Bahmi was born, so could be looking at producing her next infant at around 38-40 years of age.

Yes, 46 years old is quite an age! I had thought, now that Toledo Zoo has younger female Leela (mother of the famous Fajar who was sired by Toledo Zoo's other adult male Bajik), that they would probably choose not to breed from Yasmin again, but obviously that wasn't the case.

It's a rare occurrence for a female orangutan to give birth at that age, but it's not unknown. Gladys Porter Zoo's Sumatran female Dodie gave birth to a healthy daughter last year at the age of 46; her older daughter Kade, then aged 7, was most likely deemed far too young.

And it certainly does give hope that the breeding programme will recommend Melur for one more birth!

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

From socials:

(6) Facebook

The infant born to Yasmin and Boomer at Toledo Zoo has been confirmed as a male and given the name Akyli, meaning "unique". There is quite a striking resemblance between Yasmin with little Akyli, and the way Yasmin's daughter Melur is with her own infant son, Bahmi!

 

[Zoofan15]

Update on Auckland Zoo’s Bornean orangutans:

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

From socials:

“Being young herself, Daya has a playful energy, and together she and Bahmi have developed a great friendship. It’s very play based. Bahmi follows her everywhere, climbs all over her and is constantly encouraging rough and tumble. But there are times when the two of them will also just chill out quietly together and he’s very sweet in the way that he loves to share his food with her,” says senior primate keeper Jacqui.

Daya and Melur also groom each other, and she’s also slowly but surely building a relationship with Charlie. The primate team are quick to point out that as an exceptionally intelligent, cheeky, curious, and industrious orangutan, she likes to test everything out - and has the patience to figure out how to disassemble things. This has kept everyone challenged and on their toes!

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Update on Auckland Zoo’s Bornean orangutans:

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

From socials:

“Being young herself, Daya has a playful energy, and together she and Bahmi have developed a great friendship. It’s very play based. Bahmi follows her everywhere, climbs all over her and is constantly encouraging rough and tumble. But there are times when the two of them will also just chill out quietly together and he’s very sweet in the way that he loves to share his food with her,” says senior primate keeper Jacqui.

Daya and Melur also groom each other, and she’s also slowly but surely building a relationship with Charlie. The primate team are quick to point out that as an exceptionally intelligent, cheeky, curious, and industrious orangutan, she likes to test everything out - and has the patience to figure out how to disassemble things. This has kept everyone challenged and on their toes!

On my recent visits to the orangutans of Auckland Zoo, I can personally confirm all of the above. Daya has integrated remarkably well into the colony, and happily she seems to be filling the playmate role with Bahmi as Wanita did with Madju.

As an interesting aside, I even got to witness something I've never seen before with orangutans one Saturday afternoon - group grooming.

Charlie was relaxing in the sunshine on the grass in front of the habitat, and Melur came up to him, sat down and started grooming him. Bahmi, who was with her, sat down too and began to groom Melur - I've watched him do this with his mother several times.

Then Daya came and sat down with the others, and started to groom Charlie, too. She soon desisted, however, when Bahmi tried to initiate play with her, which she didn't seem to be in the mood for.

I've seen group grooming sessions among the Hamilton chimps on many occasions, but never with the Auckland orangutans, although one on one grooming is common, usually with Melur grooming Bahmi, Charlie or Daya.

Slight tangent - @Zoofan15 - regarding Melur's mother Yasmin, is there a record anywhere of the total number of offspring she's had and their names? There's Melur of course, and I think you mentioned another daughter, Raba(?). And of course, there are the three sons she's had with Boomer at Toledo Zoo - Kecil (who had to be fostered out to Brookfield Zoo after birth complications stopped proper mother-infant bonding taking place, and he now looks set to become Brookfield's new breeding male). Wakil (an adolescent still with his parents) and newborn Aykli, who is likely to be Yasmin's last offspring.

 

[Zoofan15]

On my recent visits to the orangutans of Auckland Zoo, I can personally confirm all of the above. Daya has integrated remarkably well into the colony, and happily she seems to be filling the playmate role with Bahmi as Wanita did with Madju.

As an interesting aside, I even got to witness something I've never seen before with orangutans one Saturday afternoon - group grooming.

Charlie was relaxing in the sunshine on the grass in front of the habitat, and Melur came up to him, sat down and started grooming him. Bahmi, who was with her, sat down too and began to groom Melur - I've watched him do this with his mother several times.

Then Daya came and sat down with the others, and started to groom Charlie, too. She soon desisted, however, when Bahmi tried to initiate play with her, which she didn't seem to be in the mood for.

I've seen group grooming sessions among the Hamilton chimps on many occasions, but never with the Auckland orangutans, although one on one grooming is common, usually with Melur grooming Bahmi, Charlie or Daya.

Slight tangent - @Zoofan15 - regarding Melur's mother Yasmin, is there a record anywhere of the total number of offspring she's had and their names? There's Melur of course, and I think you mentioned another daughter, Raba(?). And of course, there are the three sons she's had with Boomer at Toledo Zoo - Kecil (who had to be fostered out to Brookfield Zoo after birth complications stopped proper mother-infant bonding taking place, and he now looks set to become Brookfield's new breeding male). Wakil (an adolescent still with his parents) and newborn Aykli, who is likely to be Yasmin's last offspring.

That’s encouraging to hear about the group grooming session. It suggests the quartet are comfortable in each other’s company. While the personalities no doubt contribute to this (all three adults are calm, good natured individuals); the complex is excellent as it allows them the opportunity to seek time away from each other.

I have nine offspring listed for Yasmin:

0.1 Melati (1986) Died 1987
0.1 Melur (1988)
0.1 Taufan (1993) Died 1995
0.1 Raba (1996)
1.0 Sepilok (2001)
1.0 Takai (2006)
1.0 Kecil (2014)
1.0 Wakil (2015)
1.0 Aykli (2024)

Yasmin was born 1978, so produced her first offspring (who sadly died in infancy) at just eight years; and then Melur at the age of ten. This was of course common for that era; with Dara (1977) and Indra (1980) both prorucing their first infants in 1989 (and Dara’s delay only due to waiting for the males to mature).

Melur by comparison produced her first infant at 14 years in 2002; with mid-teens apparently now the target age for first time breeding in the region. Perth and Melbourne have followed this pattern since the 2000’s; and it seems likely Daya won’t breed for another couple of years.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That’s encouraging to hear about the group grooming session. It suggests the quartet are comfortable in each other’s company. While the personalities no doubt contribute to this (all three adults are calm, good natured individuals); the complex is excellent as it allows them the opportunity to seek time away from each other.

I have nine offspring listed for Yasmin:

0.1 Melati (1986) Died 1987
0.1 Melur (1988)
0.1 Taufan (1993) Died 1995
0.1 Raba (1996)
1.0 Sepilok (2001)
1.0 Takai (2006)
1.0 Kecil (2014)
1.0 Wakil (2015)
1.0 Aykli (2024)

Yasmin was born 1978, so produced her first offspring (who sadly died in infancy) at just eight years; and then Melur at the age of ten. This was of course common for that era; with Dara (1977) and Indra (1980) both prorucing their first infants in 1989 (and Dara’s delay only due to waiting for the males to mature).

Melur by comparison produced her first infant at 14 years in 2002; with mid-teens apparently now the target age for first time breeding in the region. Perth and Melbourne have followed this pattern since the 2000’s; and it seems likely Daya won’t breed for another couple of years.

It is very encouraging indeed to see the Auckland colony coming together this way. They really are quite the harmonious group - the only serious conflict I've ever seen was once, when Melur chased Daya off after Daya had cuffed Bahmi away from her. But Daya only did that because Bahmi had actually bitten her - playfully, but it must have still hurt. Usually, Daya is very patient with Bahmi's antics. And his baby teeth would still be capable of delivering quite a nip, considering the bite force of an orangutan - I've seen Melur jerk her hand back from Bahmi in an obvious "ouch" gesture when he has play-bitten her!

As an example of the relaxed nature of things between the two females, I've sometimes even seen Melur and Daya sit and eat together, which was a less familiar sight with Melur and the late Wanita. I often saw Melur evading the more dominant Wanita when she'd managed to grab a desirable food item, which Wanita would be likely to snatch off her. Occasionally I saw actual conflicts between Melur and Wanita over food, complete with teeth-baring and physical altercations, which Charlie would rush over to break up.

Thank you so much for the information about Yasmin! I really appreciate that, as I am fascinated by our Auckland Zoo orangutans' family connections in other zoos. (It seems, too, that Melur was not only named after her mother, but her deceased sister, too - Yasmin is Arabic for the jasmine flower, Melati is the Indonesian word for jasmine, and Melur is the Malay version).

It was very exciting when I found out that Yasmin was still alive, and interesting to see that she was still breeding, even at her advanced age. Probably the deciding factor would have been her male companion Boomer's genetic value and his strong bond with Yasmin. (It would probably account for how eager Brookfield Zoo seem to have Kecil be their breeding male and they may have even intended him for his new female companion and former foster-sister, Kekasih, who is now of recommended breeding age, from the early days).

Are Sepilok and Takai also Boomer's sons, or were they born in Hong Kong or elsewhere?

Yasmin started very young, indeed! Quite the contrast to these days, although occasionally there are the odd exceptions. Probably the breeding programme's recommendation to wait till the mid-teens for female apes is due to maternal and infant health concerns and the times when very young mothers have rejected their babies (Dudley Zoo's Sprout is a recent example, who left her baby to be raised by her own mother, who already had a baby of her own! Jazz has done a remarkable job with those two boys, and has become quite the social media icon!)

And another interesting tangent - it also seems that a very distinctive facial feature of Melur's - and also, of her sons - came from Yasmin - that large forehead and receding hairline. Even Madju's daughter and Yasmin's great-granddaughter, baby Stella at Busch Gardens, is beginning to show signs of this look!

 

[Zoofan15]

It is very encouraging indeed to see the Auckland colony coming together this way. They really are quite the harmonious group - the only serious conflict I've ever seen was once, when Melur chased Daya off when Daya had cuffed Bahmi away from her. But Daya only did that because Bahmi had actually bitten her - playfully, but it must have still hurt. Usually, Daya is very patient with Bahmi's antics. And his baby teeth would still be capable of delivering quite a nip, considering the bite force of an orangutan - I've seen Melur jerk her hand back from Bahmi in an obvious "ouch" gesture when he has play-bitten her!

As an example of the relaxed nature of things between the two females, I've sometimes even seen Melur and Daya sit and eat together, which was a less familiar sight with Melur and the late Wanita. I often saw Melur evading the more dominant Wanita when she'd managed to grab a desirable food item, which Wanita would be likely to snatch off her. Occasionally I saw actual conflicts between Melur and Wanita over food, complete with teeth-baring and physical altercations, which Charlie would rush over to break up.

Thank you so much for the information about Yasmin! I really appreciate that, as I am fascinated by our Auckland Zoo orangutans' family connections in other zoos. (It seems, too, that Melur was not only named after her mother, but her deceased sister, too - Yasmin is Arabic for the jasmine flower, Melati is the Indonesian word for jasmine, and Melur is the Malay version).

It was very exciting when I found out that Yasmin was still alive, and interesting to see that she was still breeding, even at her advanced age. Probably the deciding factor would have been her male companion Boomer's genetic value and his strong bond with Yasmin. (It would probably account for how eager Brookfield Zoo seem to have Kecil be their breeding male and they may have even intended him for his new female companion and former foster-sister, Kekasih, who is now of recommended breeding age, from the early days).

Are Sepilok and Takai also Boomer's sons, or were they born in Hong Kong or elsewhere?

Yasmin started very young, indeed! Quite the contrast to these days, although occasionally there are the odd exceptions. Probably the breeding programme's recommendation to wait till the mid-teens for female apes is due to maternal and infant health concerns and the times when very young mothers have rejected their babies (Dudley Zoo's Sprout is a recent example, who left her baby to be raised by her own mother, who already had a baby of her own! Jazz has done a remarkable job with those two boys, and has become quite the social media icon!)

And another interesting tangent - it also seems that a very distinctive facial feature of Melur's - and also, of her sons - came from Yasmin - that large forehead and receding hairline. Even Madju's daughter and Yasmin's great-granddaughter, baby Stella at Busch Gardens, is beginning to show signs of this look!

Sepilok was a female my apologies and sired by Datu (1978-2008) at Hong Kong Zoo. Sepilok accompanied Yasmin to the US (Omaha) in 2003.

Takai was born at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo in 2006 to Chip/Bandar (1993) and Yasmin.

I agree distinct resemblance can often been seen between lineages of orangutans. Indra (1980) and Intan (1989) looked remarkably alike; and it’s easy to see similarities between half-sisters Melur (1988) and Gangsa (1989).

From the footage I’ve seen of Dara (1977-2000) at Auckland Zoo, she also had quite a prominent forehead. She was very different in appearance from Indra/Intan; and Daya, who I think greatly resembles Indra, with the hair either side of her face.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Sepilok was a female my apologies and sired by Datu (1978-2008) at Hong Kong Zoo. Sepilok accompanied Yasmin to the US (Omaha) in 2003.

Takai was born at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo in 2006 to Chip/Bandar (1993) and Yasmin.

I agree distinct resemblance can often been seen between lineages of orangutans. Indra (1980) and Intan (1989) looked remarkably alike; and it’s easy to see similarities between half-sisters Melur (1988) and Gangsa (1989).

From the footage I’ve seen of Dara (1977-2000) at Auckland Zoo, she also had quite a prominent forehead. She was very different in appearance from Indra/Intan; and Daya, who I think greatly resembles Indra, with the hair either side of her face.

Thanks for the clarification about Sepilok! I remember an earlier post of yours where you mentioned Yasmin travelling with her youngest daughter to the US and thought you might have meant Raba for a moment - then I remember your mentioning that Raba remained in Hong Kong and gave birth to twins! The name Sepilok rang a couple of bells for me, so I checked Orangutan SSP's socials, and "Sepi" recently celebrated her 23rd birthday and is still going strong! She's still at Henry Doorly Zoo, has had offspring with her half-brother's sire Chip, and also bears quite a resemblance to big sister Melur!

Daya definitely seems to have the hair thing you mentioned in common with Indra! She also reminds me of Wanita, having darker and longer hair than Melur's and longer hair on her arms. She even seems to react the same way when Melur starts grooming her as Wanita did, stiffening a bit at first and then relaxing under Melur's gentle determination!

There is definitely a resemblance between Melur and Gangsa, too, although they're paternal half-sisters. Sadly, I never managed to find any photos of their father, Laki, when I was researching Charlie and Melur's parentage. I was happily able to find images of both Zabu and Girlie, Charlie's parents, and was struck by how strongly Charlie resembles Zabu, who was a very impressive male indeed.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I saw some unusual orangutan behaviour at Auckland Zoo on the Saturday before last at Auckland Zoo, which I thought I'd mention here as it reminded me of something @Zoofan15 mentioned in an earlier post.

While I was observing the orangutans by the viewing window, a massive clap of thunder sounded. Charlie, who had been sitting down under the nesting baskets, leapt up to them and started shaking the baskets violently, loudly long-calling and then jumping on top of Melur, who had been relaxing and eating in the topmost nest, as if he somehow thought she was responsible for the racket.

Melur was most unimpressed, growling at Charlie, grabbing hold of Bahmi and high tailing it to the trees in the centre of the habitat, followed by a rather frightened-looking Daya. Charlie pursued them, until a sudden downpour of rain sent the orangutans fleeing back to the window and then act as if nothing had happened - Melur went back to eating, Bahmi to teasing Daya and Charlie to sitting calmly.

Most odd.

 

[Zoofan15]

I saw some unusual orangutan behaviour at Auckland Zoo on the Saturday before last at Auckland Zoo, which I thought I'd mention here as it reminded me of something @Zoofan15 mentioned in an earlier post.

While I was observing the orangutans by the viewing window, a massive clap of thunder sounded. Charlie, who had been sitting down under the nesting baskets, leapt up to them and started shaking the baskets violently, loudly long-calling and then jumping on top of Melur, who had been relaxing and eating in the topmost nest, as if he somehow thought she was responsible for the racket.

Melur was most unimpressed, growling at Charlie, grabbing hold of Bahmi and high tailing it to the trees in the centre of the habitat, followed by a rather frightened-looking Daya. Charlie pursued them, until a sudden downpour of rain sent the orangutans fleeing back to the window and then act as if nothing had happened - Melur went back to eating, Bahmi to teasing Daya and Charlie to sitting calmly.

Most odd.

Yes, that’s exactly the same as when Charlie was housed with Wanita and Melur in the old exhibit and heard thunder. The noise upset him and he would chase them. Her reacted the same way when they were squabbling (making noise), so not sure if his thinking was to equate all loud disturbances to them; or whether he truly believes Melur causes the sound of thunder!

Considering Daya is 12 years old now and has built up a good relationship with the other orangutans, I hope we hear news of a pregnancy within the next year. There’s little reason to delay her conceiving now imo.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, that’s exactly the same as when Charlie was housed with Wanita and Melur in the old exhibit and heard thunder. The noise upset him and he would chase them. Her reacted the same way when they were squabbling (making noise), so not sure if his thinking was to equate all loud disturbances to them; or whether he truly believes Melur causes the sound of thunder!

Considering Daya is 12 years old now and has built up a good relationship with the other orangutans, I hope we hear news of a pregnancy within the next year. There’s little reason to delay her conceiving now imo.

It's certainly an unusual kind of behaviour from Charlie! None of the other orangutans seemed that bothered by the thunder - perhaps a bit of mild surprise at the loud volume, but not much of a reaction otherwise.

I too hope we will soon hear news of a pregnancy from Daya! One visitor I spoke to claims keepers had said they were waiting until she turns 15, but given Charlie's advancing years, I highly doubt that would be the zoo's intentions.

 

[Zoofan15]

Australasian Orangutan Population 2025

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

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

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

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

Auckland Zoo:

Bornean orangutan:

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

Adelaide Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

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

Melbourne Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

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

Hybrid orangutan:

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

Mogo Zoo:

Hybrid orangutan:

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

Perth Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

1.0 Dinar (06/03/1987) Dinding x Abigail; Imported 2004
0.1 Puteri (12/06/1970) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Utama (19/06/1979) Atjeh x Puteri
0.1 Sekara (20/07/1990) Hsing Hsing x Puspa
0.1 Pulang (21/12/1993) Atjeh x Puan
0.1 Teliti (20/10/2009) Hsing Hsing x Puteri
1.0 Sungai (30/12/2011) Dinar x Sekara
0.1 Lestari (09/01/2012) Hsing Hsing x Pulang

Sydney Zoo:

Sumatran orangutan:

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

Total regional population: 8.13

2.2 Bornean orangutan
5.9 Sumatran orangutan
1.2 Hybrid orangutan

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

 

[The Sleepy Hippo]

How many enclosures are the Perth Orang'utans in?