Source : Perth Now news
One of the world’s oldest and beloved Sumatran orangutans has died aged 56 at Perth Zoo.
Puteri was the zoo’s longest resident and an ambassador for critically endangered species.
She was humanely euthanised after experiencing significant age related health issues following the advice of vets and animal welfare experts.
The great dame was the first orangutan born at Perth Zoo and helped shaped generations of orangutan care and participated in breeding programs across Australia.
She raised four daughters and helped maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population for the species.
Her daughter Temara was the first orangutan born at Perth Zoo that was released into the wild in Indonesia’s Bukit Tigapuluh National Park through a conservation partnership with the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Temara’s release was part of an international effort to protect and recover orangutan populations in the wild.
Puteri helped inspire millions of zoo visitors to learn more about her species and the threats facing wildlife in Southeast Asia, including habitat loss and the impact of unsustainable palm oil production.
Perth Zoo is home to seven Sumatran orangutans and is internationally recognised for its expertise in caring for these great apes.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said he first saw Puteri as a young child visiting Perth Zoo and saw her raise her daughters over the years.
“Puteri helped connect generations of Western Australians with wildlife and inspired countless people to care about conservation,” he said.
“As the first Sumatran orangutan born at Perth Zoo and one of the world’s oldest orangutans in human care, her legacy demonstrates Perth Zoo’s approach to conservation, combining world-class animal care, conservation breeding, education, advocacy and support for wildlife protection both here in Western Australia and overseas.
“My condolences are sent to the passionate keepers, veterinarians and zoo staff involved with the care of Puteri over her long life, and also extend to the wider Western Australian community.”
South Perth MLA Geoff Baker said Puteri was a favourite for generations of Perth Zoo visitors, and her legacy will live on through the important conservation work she helped make possible.
“I want to thank the dedicated staff who cared for her throughout her long life,” he said.
