Sumatran Orangutan Dies of Kidney Failure at Denver Zoo

A Sumatran orangutan housed at the Denver Zoo has died due to kidney failure. This Sumatran orangutan is a critically endangered species, and its death raises dual issues of individual management in zoos and the declining population in the wild. Sumatran orangutans are apes that inhabit only Sumatra, Indonesia, and their survival is extremely difficult due to deforestation and illegal pet trade. While zoo keeping is considered important from a species conservation perspective, this case suggests the need for advanced medical care and environmental maintenance. The death of this Sumatran orangutan will serve as an event that reaffirms the importance of conservation efforts for critically endangered species, not only within Indonesia but also in the international community. Improving wild habitats and providing higher quality captive environments in zoos will be pressing issues for the future. Source: Mongabay Indonesia