Orangutans return to Auckland Zoo to enjoy new, world class habitat

Sunday, 29 March 2020

A trio of orangutans are settling into their new home at Auckland Zoo after an almost three year hiatus while their habitat was developed.

Orangutans Charlie, Melur and Wanita were moved from Auckland Zoo to Orana Wildlife Park's Great Ape Centre in Christchurch in 2017, while the zoo worked on a new South East Asian Jungle Track.

The $58 million project aims to bring visitors closer to the animals than ever and is part of the zoo's biggest redevelopment in its 98 years of operation.

The new habitat was designed by zoo staff in conjunction with external design and construction specialists, aided by primates team leader Amy Robbins' experience at zoos overseas, seeing what would and wouldn't work for the Bornean orangutans.

**READ MORE:

* Auckland zookeeper finds a place in the jungle on Wild Work: Sumatra

* Orangutans settle in at Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park

* Auckland Zoo moves three Orangutans to Christchurch**

'In my opinion it's the best orangutan habitat in a zoo, anywhere in the world,' she said.

To ensure Charlie, Melur and Wanita received consistent care, some of the zoo staff spent time living in Christchurch. One moved there for 18 months.

But to move three large apes across the country is not a simple process, logistically or mentally.

The orangutans were first anaesthetised for a health check before they were moved into their travel crates, a job that involved nearly the whole Auckland Zoo veterinary team travelling to Christchurch.

They were then given a lunch box of their favourite snacks before the 15-hour journey to Auckland via an New Zealand Post plane, where they were greeted by Robbins.

The orangutans were all 'looking really good' when they arrived, she said.

'Charlies having a look around, and Wanita's just chilling. They've travelled well, and they're much more capable and adaptable than we give them credit for.'

Once at the zoo, Charlie was let into the new ape house first so Melur would follow, as he is known for making her feel safe and confident.

'Super calm and collected' Wanita brought up the rear.

About a month later, the trio were allowed to explore their outdoor habitat, which accommodates the apes' behavioural needs to be high from the ground and up in the trees, for the first time.

'It's very emotional, we're utterly relieved that this whole process is over. It's meant that we haven't had the primate team all together for two years,' Robbins said.

'Seeing this come to fruition, it's overwhelming.'

But the most exciting part is only just getting started, she said.

'Getting to work with these incredible animals in this world class facility. It's only just the beginning, I'm very happy.'