World’s Oldest Sumatran Orangutan Puan Dies at Age 62; Watch Video as Perth Zoo Farewells
Perth Zoo authorities stated that she left behind an ‘incredible legacy’ of 54 descendants that includes 11 children and was a celebrated matriarch who helped saved her species.
The world’s oldest Sumatran orangutan took her last breath at Perth Zoo, Australia, the officials informed today. Puan, Indonesian for ‘lady’ died at the age of 62 years after various veterinary tests confirmed age related complications that affected in her ability to live. Perth Zoo authorities stated that she left behind an ‘incredible legacy’ of 54 descendants that includes 11 children and was a celebrated matriarch who helped saved her species. Puan’s children spans Europe, the United States of America, Australasia and the jungles of Sumatra. Her great grandson, Nyaru is the latest one to be released into the wild.
Born in 1956, Puan was noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the oldest verified Sumatran orangutan in the world. Experts suggest that females of this species rarely live a life beyond 50 in the wild. Perth Zoo stated that due to the brilliant health care offered to Puan by the caretakers, she surpassed the usual life expectancy of her species. They further said that Puan was a reserved individual who would live her life on her terms. “She didn’t suffer fools, you always knew where you stood with Puan, and she would actually stamp her foot if she was dissatisfied with something you did,” one of the Perth Zoo staff said.
Watch Video as Perth Zoo bid farewell to the oldest Sumatran Orangutan, Puan.
Puan was gifted by the 25th Sultan of Johor in Malaysia in exchange for some Australian animals. Since December 31, 1968, Puan had been cared by the Perth Zoo. It was a moving tribute to Puan whom Zoo keeper Martina Hart described as a “quiet, dignified lady. “She was a beautiful independent lady whose legacy is unparalleled,” Holly was quoted as saying. Reportedly, Sumatran orangutans is one the three species of orangutans who are critically endangered and about 7,500 of them are left in the world. At the Perth Zoo, Puan survived by her two daughters, four grandchildren and a great grandson.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2018 07:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).