August 30, 2019
Jumping for Jaya
Denver Zoo Welcomes New Critically Endangered Sumatran Orangutan to Primate Panorama
Starting today, you might notice an exciting new resident when you stop by Great Apes in Primate Panorama. Jaya, an 11-year-old Sumatran orangutan, recently arrived from Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, Minn. as a mate for Eirina, age 12, at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. Animal care staff report that Jaya and Eirina are already getting along very well, and, with any luck, will make a valuable addition to the dwindling population of their critically endangered species in the future.
Jaya made history when he was born in 2007 via emergency cesarean section at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Shortly after his birth, Jaya went into respiratory arrest and veterinarians had to use CPR to resuscitate him. After 11 days of 24-hour care, Jaya was healthy enough to be reunited with his mother, Marsika, becoming the first successful reintroduction of an orangutan infant born via c-section to a first-time mom. Today, Jaya is thriving, and described as a highly social animal who loves enrichment and interacting with his care team. You’ll notice him by his billy goat-style beard and exceptionally long limbs.
Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered with only about 9,200 left in the wild. Their primary threats include habitat loss due to logging, forest fires and timber clearing for agriculture (including palm oil plantations) and human settlements. Orangutans are also hunted and killed for bush meat, and captured for the illegal pet trade. Although international efforts are underway to try to protect the remaining few orangutans, if current trends continue, the species may be extinct in the wild within a decade. You can help protect Sumatran orangutans at home by purchasing sustainable wood and palm oil products. Download the Sustainable Palm Oil Shopping app to help make orangutan-friendly choices.
Guests are welcome and encouraged to visit Jaya and learn more about Sumatran orangutans in the Great Apes habitat in Primate Panorama. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates on Jaya, Eirina and the rest of our orangutan clan!
Subscribe
Be among the first to hear the latest animal updates, important stories and details about all the fun happening around Denver Zoo.
Tags
-
February 15, 2022
Denver Zoo Welcomes Two Rescued Raccoons
Pecan and Cashew Will Soon Make Their Debut in Harmony Hill The idea of Harmony Hill is simple: how…
-
November 11, 2021
Two Denver Zoo Hyenas Test Positive for COVID-19
On November 5, we confirmed that two of our hyenas-Ngozi, 22, and Kibo, 23-tested positive for the virus…
-
October 25, 2021
Denver Zoo’s 11 African Lions Test Positive for COVID-19
November 3 Update: All 11 African lions are still testing positive for COVID-19, but keepers say the lions' symptoms…