Birthday celebrations for 40-year-old Dudley Zoo orangutan Benji
He's one of Dudley Zoo’s most-loved residents – and now orangutan Benji is about to celebrate his 40th birthday.
And, like anyone reaching that milestone in life, he is to be treated to a right royal knees-up.
The primate has become one of the zoo’s most iconic animals after being admired by thousands of visitors for the past 21 years.
Upper primate section leader Pat Stevens said: “Benji is one of our real characters at Dudley Zoo and he deserves a very special celebration for his milestone birthday.
“He’s been here for 21 years and we all love him and his quirks, of which he has quite a few.
“He loves having his ear tickled, but then he’ll try and push your finger up his nose for a scratch, plus he’s fascinated by our visitors’ sparkly jewellery and tattoos and loves watching people pass by his den window.
“He’s also never without his beloved bread crate and will carry it with him wherever he goes, as well as turning it upright to sit on it so he can see us through the den door. He’s very inquisitive.”
The birthday festivities will take place this weekend, ahead of Benji’s big day on Monday, with the zoo holding a two-day fundraiser in aid of
its £800,000 orangutan enclosure appeal.
Visitors, who can support the appeal by purchasing charity pin badges and wristbands, can leave their special wishes for the great ape in his birthday card throughout the weekend celebrations.
A trail across the zoo’s 40-acre site is set to keep families entertained, with the chance to win an adoption package. Prizes include a priceless work of art by Benji, as well as a luxury chenille Benji cushion worth £19.99 will also be up for grabs in a raffle. But the celebrations would not be complete without birthday cake, with slices of the sweet treat set to be dished out at midday on Sunday.
Ms Stevens added: “We hope to welcome lots of visitors on-site over the weekend who want to join us in wishing Benji many happy returns.
“Visitors can find us outside the Queen Mary restaurant and learn about the plight of his critically-endangered species in the wild, as well as discovering more about our fundraising appeal to build a new separate outdoor enclosure for our four Bornean orangutans.”
