Summary of ZOO ATLANTA SADDENED BY LOSS OF FOUNDING MEMBER OF ORANGUTAN POPULATION:
Zoo Atlanta announced the passing of Biji, a 52-year-old Sumatran orangutan. Biji had been receiving treatment for kidney failure, but due to her poor prognosis, the decision was made to euthanize her. Biji’s age was exceptional for orangutans, and her healthcare helped advance knowledge about kidney disease in orangutans. She arrived at Zoo Atlanta in 1988 and preferred a solitary life. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. Zoo Atlanta is home to one of North America’s largest populations of orangutans and advocates for sustainable palm oil to prevent habitat loss for orangutans in Southeast Asia.
Summary:
1. Biji, the Sumatran orangutan, a founding member of Zoo Atlanta’s great ape population, passed away at 52.
2. Biji’s age was exceptional for orangutans, and her healthcare at the zoo contributed to advancements in diagnosing and managing kidney disease in orangutans.
3. Biji’s independent nature and preference for solitude set her apart from other orangutans.
4. Zoo Atlanta is committed to conservation efforts for orangutans, as their habitat is at risk due to deforestation for palm oil production.
5. The zoo is a member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil™ and advocates for using sustainable palm oil.
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Zoo Atlanta, a renowned zoo dedicated to conserving and caring for wildlife, is mourning the loss of one of its founding members. Biji, a beloved Sumatran orangutan, passed away at the remarkable age of 52. While her departure is heart-wrenching, it is important to reflect on her incredible contributions during her time at the zoo.
Orangutans, like Biji, are considered geriatric after the age of 40. Biji’s longevity is a testament to the exceptional healthcare provided at Zoo Atlanta. The Veterinary and Animal Care Teams diligently treated her advancing kidney failure, allowing her to live a fulfilling life even in her old age. This successful treatment was made possible through an innovative positive reinforcement training program. Biji actively participated in her healthcare, willingly undergoing blood draws that led to the early diagnosis of her condition nine years ago. The knowledge gained from her case has greatly benefited other orangutans in human care across the country.
Reflecting on Biji’s personality, Jennifer Mickelberg, Vice President of Collections and Conservation, fondly recalls her as an embodiment of the intelligence, resourcefulness, and adaptability of orangutans. Behind her composed exterior, Biji possessed a playful and comical side that she only shared with those closest to her. Over the years, she captivated the hearts of countless visitors, helping them gain a deeper understanding of these majestic apes.
Biji’s journey at Zoo Atlanta began in 1988 when she arrived as part of a group of orangutans from Emory University’s Yerkes National Primate Research Center. In the wild, orangutans are solitary animals, often seeking company only during mating or at locations abundant in food. Biji took her desire for solitude to another level, consistently expressing her preference for a reclusive lifestyle. Rather than forcing her into social interactions, the zoo granted Biji the freedom to pursue her independent life. Visitors of the zoo would often catch glimpses of her leisurely lounging in her hammock or skillfully weaving intricate patterns in her indoor habitat.
As is customary with animal deaths, an autopsy will be performed on Biji regardless of age or health condition. Through the zoo’s collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service, invaluable insights can be gained from studying her remains. This research is essential for advancing veterinary medicine and improving the well-being of other orangutans in captivity.
Zoo Atlanta proudly houses one of North America’s largest populations of orangutans, with nine individuals representing both Sumatran and Bornean species. Sadly, orangutans face a dire threat due to habitat loss caused by rampant deforestation for commercial palm oil production in Southeast Asia. Without focused conservation efforts, these creatures could face extinction within the next decade.
IRecognizingthe urgent need to protect orangutans and their natural habitat, Zoo Atlanta has become a member of the esteemed Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil™ (RSPO). This membership signifies the zoo’s commitment to promoting sustainable palm oil usage. By exclusively supporting companies that prioritize sustainable oil production, the zoo aims to raise public awareness about the impact of purchasing decisions on wildlife conservation.
Biji’s legacy will continue to inspire Zoo Atlanta and its visitors to appreciate and protect the remarkable nature of orangutans. While her passing is undoubtedly sorrowful, it serves as an opportunity for reflection and action. Each individual has the power to make a difference, and by supporting sustainable practices and responsible palm oil consumption, we can preserve the natural habitats of these incredible creatures and secure a brighter future for them.
