In honor of #OrangeIsForOrangutanDay, we’re highlighting what it actually takes to care for some of the most intelligent animals on the planet. 🦧
Once a month, our orangutans get a feast. We call it a gorge feed: a spread of fruits native to their natural habitats, including durian, jackfruit, coconut, star fruit, lychee, rambutan, and more. This mirrors how orangutans eat in the wild by finding large quantities of food, eating their fill, and then fasting for a few days after. It also gives them the chance to practice breaking open different fruits, a completely natural behavior that keeps both their bodies and their minds engaged.
Because orangutans are incredibly intelligent, training is one of the most important parts of their care. Our team works with each individual on voluntary healthcare behaviors. Things like blood draws, vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and body presentations for injury exams. When an animal can participate in their own care, vet visits become far less stressful and the need for anesthesia drops significantly. That’s a win for the animals and the people who care for them.
Enrichment for an orangutan has to work hard. It needs to be mentally challenging enough to hold their attention and sturdy enough to survive them. Puzzle feeders, mirrors, and tools that encourage problem-solving are all part of the mix. Orangutans are one of only a handful of animals capable of tool use, and we take that into consideration when we are putting together their enrichment items.
Caring for this family is one of the greatest privileges our team gets to experience. Thank you for celebrating them with us this week. Swing by Primate Panorama to meet Jaya, Hesty, Eirina, Siska, Rambutan, and Cerah!
Photos: Animal Care Specialists Christa K. and Jenna G.
#OrangutanCaringWeek #Orangutan #SumatranOrangutan #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether
It’s a boy! Audubon Zoo welcomed a baby mandrill on October 30 to first-time mom Lucy, and both are doing wonderfully! Dad Obi is keeping a watchful eye nearby, while the rest of the troop is showing the new family plenty of space.
Male Bornean orangutan Berani seen enjoying his ice treat with a frozen fig during Orangutan Caring Week! Is there a more stylish way to eat?
🎥: Selina M.
At Primate Panorama, Eirina is always keeping her Animal Care team on their toes. 🦧
She can be serious when she wants to be, but she also has an absolutely iconic smile, a love of playing in water, and a habit of sitting inside trashcans and toppling off ledges just to see how her Care team react.
But beneath the mischief, Eirina is an incredible mom. As her daughter Siska grows into her independence, Eirina has started giving her more space to explore while still pulling her close for naps and sticking together as they move through their habitat.
For the Animal Care Specialists who’ve earned her trust, Eirina has another side entirely. She’ll actually seek out grooming from the people she’s closest to. Building that kind of bond takes time, patience, and a whole lot of trust. And it’s one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
We love you, Eirina!
Photos: Animal Care Specialists Christa K. and Jenna G.
#OrangutanCaringWeek #Orangutan #SumatranOrangutan #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether