Beloved Dudley Zoo orangutan dies
Dudley Zoo's beloved orangutan, Jorong, has died, it has been announced.
The 25-year-old died earlier today in the presence of the zoo’s veterinary team and his keepers while undergoing treatment for a long-term illness, a statement from the attraction said.
Dudley Zoo director, Derek Grove, said: "All DZC staff are understandably devastated at the loss of the great ape who was also a hugely popular animal with visitors."
A post mortem for will be carried out in due course.
Jorong has lived at the zoo since 2008 after relocating from Dublin Zoo as part of a breeding programme for the critically endangered species.
Speaking at the time of his arrival, Peter Suddock CEO of Dudley Zoo said: "Jorong is a splendid creature with quite a character and has already settled in well with the group and will no doubt become a real favourite with our visitors."
During his time at the attraction he sired a daughter, Sprout, with resident female Jazz in 2011.
She made her debut to the public on May 14, 2011, in the viewing area before gradually venturing into the general enclosure.
The Bornean orangutan is the slowest breeding of all mammal species, with an interval of approximately eight years between births.
Orangutans typically life up to 35 years in the wild and 60 years in captivity.
