Saving Wildlife Together

We are heartbroken to share that Berani, our beloved 32-year-old Sumatran orangutan, was humanely euthanized on Monday, September 22.

Earlier this year, we shared that Berani’s kidney disease had progressed to late-stage kidney failure. Recent bloodwork and changes in Berani’s health and energy showed a decline in his quality of life, and our team made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him to prevent any suffering. He passed peacefully, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him.

A postmortem exam will help us better understand his condition and contribute to the continued scientific knowledge that supports orangutan care and conservation worldwide. Our Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care teams, alongside specialists from across the country, are also using this opportunity to learn more about kidney disease, a common disease for great apes, in the hopes of helping other orangutans facing similar challenges.

Throughout his illness, Berani showed incredible resilience and trust. He voluntarily participated in many aspects of his healthcare—including blood draws to help us monitor his condition—reflecting the deep bond he shared with his dedicated caretakers. Our Animal Care and Health teams worked tirelessly to adjust treatments and ensure his comfort each day, ensuring his final chapter was filled with comfort, dignity and love.

Berani moved to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in 2017 from Audubon Nature Institute on an AZA Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. While he quickly became a beloved member of our animal family, he also became an international sensation who captured hearts around the world with his remarkable caregiving instincts and caring personality. When his mate Nias unexpectedly passed away in 2020, Berani stepped in to raise their daughter, Cerah—a behavior rarely observed in male orangutans. His unwavering devotion became an international story of compassion and resilience.

His presence shaped our community in immeasurable ways, and our campus will never feel quite the same without his steady and caring presence. Please visit the link in our bio to read more. 🧡

🦏 Happy #WorldRhinoDay! 🦏

Here at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, we’re proud to care for two incredible rhinos:

Rudy, our black rhino, who lives across from Sheep Mountain, and
Tensing, our greater one-horned Rhino, who calls Toyota Elephant Passage home

With all five rhino species facing threats in the wild, every day is a chance to celebrate these amazing animals and the conservation work being done to protect them. ✨

#DenverZooConservationAlliance #Rhino #SavingWildlifeTogether