- Puteri, 56, was one of the world’s oldest Sumatran orangutans
- First orangutan born at Perth Zoo helped advance global conservation efforts
- Perth Zoo’s longest resident was ambassador for critically endangered species
Perth Zoo has farewelled one of its longest residents, much loved 56-year-old Sumatran orangutan Puteri.
Puteri was humanely euthanised following the advice of animal welfare experts and veterinarians as she was experiencing several significant age-related health issues.
As the first orangutan born at Perth Zoo, she helped shaped generations of orangutan care, participated in breeding programs in Australia and was an important ambassador for her critically endangered species.
Over more than five decades, Puteri helped inspire millions of Perth Zoo visitors to learn more about her species and the threats facing wildlife in Southeast Asia, including habitat loss and the impact of unsustainable palm oil production.
Her legacy extends far beyond education and awareness. Through Perth Zoo’s role in the Zoo and Aquarium Association’s regional conservation breeding program, Puteri raised four daughters, helping to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population for the species.
One of her daughters, Temara, made history as the first Perth Zoo-born orangutan released into the wild in Indonesia’s Bukit Tigapuluh National Park through the zoo’s long-running conservation partnership with the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Temara’s release demonstrated the direct contribution Perth Zoo can make to international efforts to protect and recover orangutan populations in the wild.
Today, Perth Zoo is home to seven Sumatran orangutans and is internationally recognised for its expertise in caring for these great apes.
The zoo continues to support on-the-ground conservation programs in Indonesia while helping educate future generations about the importance of protecting endangered wildlife.
To learn more about the Perth Zoo’s conservation efforts visit: Global Conservation | Perth Zoo
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“Like many Western Australians, I first saw Puteri as a young child visiting Perth Zoo, getting to see her over the years raise her daughters.
“Puteri helped connect generations of Western Australians with wildlife and inspired countless people to care about conservation.
“As the first Sumatran orangutan born at Perth Zoo and one of the world’s oldest orangutans in human care, her legacy demonstrates Perth Zoo’s approach to conservation, combining world-class animal care, conservation breeding, education, advocacy and support for wildlife protection both here in Western Australia and overseas.
“My condolences are sent to thepassionate keepers, veterinarians and zoo staffinvolved with the care of Puteri over her long life, and also extend to the wider Western Australian community.”
As stated by South Perth MLA Geoff Baker:
“Puteri was a favourite for generations of Perth Zoo visitors, and her legacy will live on through the important conservation work she helped make possible.
“I want to thank the dedicated staff who cared for her throughout her long life.”
