ZOOM Gelsenkirchen have announced the death of Sumatran female, Elsi at the age of 59.
"On Monday, January 23, 2017, Orang-Utan Elsi died in the ZOOM adventure world at an advanced age. With her 59 years she was the oldest Orangutan, which is currently living in Europe. This age is exceptional for people in zoos and is clearly above life expectancy in nature.
Elsi had already retired for several days and had not eaten and drunk any more. After her general condition had further worsened, she had to be euthanized after an acute weakness.
The autopsy did not reveal any abnormalities, the organs were altered according to age.
Elsi has been living in Gelsenkirchen since December 2009, and she came with her family from Basel Zoo to the Ruhr area. It was estimated to have been born in 1958, and still came as a game to Basel in 1961. There she had four young animals, the last 1987 together with Orangutan Schubbi as father.
Elsi had an extremely lovable character. In spite of her high age, she was eager to participate in medical training and work on the part of the keepers, whom she painfully missed. It will be a good memory of all employees of the ZOOM World of Experience."
Trauer um Orang-Utan Elsi - ZOOM Erlebniswelt
"On Monday, January 23, 2017, Orang-Utan Elsi died in the ZOOM adventure world at an advanced age. With her 59 years she was the oldest Orangutan, which is currently living in Europe. This age is exceptional for people in zoos and is clearly above life expectancy in nature.
Elsi had already retired for several days and had not eaten and drunk any more. After her general condition had further worsened, she had to be euthanized after an acute weakness.
The autopsy did not reveal any abnormalities, the organs were altered according to age.
Elsi has been living in Gelsenkirchen since December 2009, and she came with her family from Basel Zoo to the Ruhr area. It was estimated to have been born in 1958, and still came as a game to Basel in 1961. There she had four young animals, the last 1987 together with Orangutan Schubbi as father.
Elsi had an extremely lovable character. In spite of her high age, she was eager to participate in medical training and work on the part of the keepers, whom she painfully missed. It will be a good memory of all employees of the ZOOM World of Experience."
Trauer um Orang-Utan Elsi - ZOOM Erlebniswelt