Zoo mourns Pusung's passing
15/04/2009 12:01:00 PM
One of Adelaide Zoo’s most beloved characters, Pusung the Sumatran orangutan, has died.
Pusung died last night after suffering from a respiratory infection, a common cause of death in older male orangutans.
The Zoos SA Veterinary team had been treating Pusung for the last week for cold-like symptoms, but despite their best efforts, his health deteriorated and in the end the infection became too much for him.
Pusung was an important member of Zoos South Australia as he was an ambassador for his species and the face of Adelaide Zoo.
Dr Chris West, CEO of Zoos SA says, “Within the zoo and far beyond there will be many very sad people as he was such a character and symbol of conservation.”
Pusung was born in Perth on February 25th 1978 and came to Adelaide Zoo from Singapore in October 2000 as part of the international breeding program and has fathered two young.
Emma Yengi, Assistant Curator Primates said, “Pusung developed a bit of a fan club through the Behind the Scenes Tours and was responsible for inspiring many who met him to connect with Orangutans in a much deeper way.”
“Keepers who worked with him are devastated to lose such a wonderful old friend and colleague,” she said.
Extinction in the wild is projected in the next 10 years for Sumatran Orangutans and soon after for Bornean Orangutans.
The Orangutans' rainforest is being felled for palm oil and other crops at an overwhelming rate with the remaining forest being degraded by drought and forest fires.
Orangutans are highly intelligent animals. Their intelligence is comparable to that of a five or six year old child.
Rest peacefully Pusung.