Español
Earlier this year, we shared that Berani’s kidney disease had progressed to late-stage kidney failure, meaning his organs could no longer function on their own.
When recent bloodwork and a noticeable decline in his health showed that his quality of life was diminishing and he had entered end-stage kidney failure, our Animal Care and Health teams made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him to prevent any suffering. He passed surrounded by the people who loved him most. A postmortem exam will help us better understand his condition and contribute to the broader scientific knowledge that supports orangutan care and conservation.
Throughout his illness, Berani showed remarkable resilience and trust in his caregivers. He voluntarily participated in many aspects of his healthcare—including blood draws that allowed our veterinary team to track his kidney values. This trust was a reflection of the strong bonds he shared with his caretakers, who worked tirelessly to ensure his comfort and adjust treatments as needed.
An Extraordinary Father Figure
Berani moved to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in 2017 from Audubon Nature Institute as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). While he quickly became a favorite among staff, members, and guests, he captured the world’s attention in 2020 when he took on the rare role of single father.
After his mate, Nias, unexpectedly passed away, Berani stepped in to raise their infant daughter, Cerah. Male orangutans rarely take on caregiving roles, but Berani became a devoted, patient and caring father figure. Even as Cerah grew more independent, she often sought comfort in her dad’s arms.
We know Berani’s absence will be an adjustment for Cerah, and our teams are working closely with the SSP and other orangutan experts to ensure she and the rest of our orangutan family receive the support and care they need during this transition.
Berani’s Legacy
Berani’s impact is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through his daughters, Cerah and Siska, through his role in advancing conservation science, and through the countless lives he touched with his calm presence and gentle spirit. Our campus will never feel quite the same without him, but his story will continue to inspire compassion for orangutans and conservation worldwide.
In addition to the deep bonds he formed here, Berani is also contributing to the future of orangutan care. Our Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care teams, alongside specialists from across the country, are using this opportunity to learn more about his kidney disease in hopes of helping other orangutans facing similar challenges. The knowledge gained from Berani’s case will be shared with the broader zoo and veterinary community, ensuring his story supports the long-term wellbeing of his species.
Our campus will never feel quite the same without him, but Berani’s influence will continue to inspire compassion and advance conservation far beyond DZCA.
Honoring His Memory
Berani will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on through his daughters, through the knowledge gained from his care, and through the lasting impact he had on our community.
Like all animal passings, this is incredibly difficult for the people who worked directly with Berani. Members of his Animal Care team have shared what working with Berani has meant to them:
“People across the world heard how Berani was such a great dad, but they might not have realized how much he truly meant to members of his care team. Even if you were in the middle of a task, when Berani invited you to play (through the mesh), you stopped and joined him because whatever you were doing could wait. It was an honor whenever he wanted to play, and it always reminded you of the special bond you shared when he would roll onto his back with his head toward you, getting as close as he could all while being extra silly. I remember the last time we played together like that – I was so thankful because I knew in that moment that this was probably the last time I’d experience this and I cherished every minute of it. I’ll also never forget when he’d look into your eyes, really seeing you, and then find something to gift you and smile. Berani reached people across the world, not only inspiring them to care about him and his family, but also to care about orangutans in the wild. I’m privileged to have worked with him, to have known him, and to have loved him.”
— Christa Klein, Animal Care Specialist
“Berani was a gentle and intelligent soul who taught me so much. A wonderful father and steadfast protector, he had a playful curiosity that was truly special. I’ll never forget how he would bring large branches into the building to fish things off the shelves, or how he would whistle to get our attention. He found joy in the simple things, whether it was using combs to make music, painting the walls, or, his personal favorite, playing with the hose. His strength was never more apparent than in his final months. Despite his kidney disease, he was incredibly tolerant and brave during his every-other-week blood draws. It was a testament to his trust and resilience. Berani showed me the incredible depth of great apes and, through him, I fell completely in love with them. He will be deeply missed.”— Kirstin Prunchak, Animal Care Specialist
“It has been such an honor for our team to care for Berani during his time at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. He has taught us so much about orangutan behavior and has redefined what we know about parental care in orangutans. Watching the bond between Berani and his daughter Cerah was truly an incredible experience. Berani was an incredible father and advocate for his wild counterparts. His bigger-than-life personality is going to be greatly missed by our team, but we know his impact will live on through his daughters Cerah and Siska. Berani’s will be greatly missed.“
— Matthew Lenyo, Curator of Primates and Carnivores
