New Auckland Zoo habitat welcomes return of Orangutans

Auckland Zoo's new $58 million South East Asian Jungle Track, built as part of its largest redevelopment in 98 years, has welcomed the return of a trio of Orangutans after an almost three-year hiatus while their habitat was constructed.

Bornean 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 their new Track.

The South East Asian Jungle Track will bring visitors closer to the animals as 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 who personally travelled the world exploring and hand-picking from the best primate habitats that exist today, to create her vision for the Orangutans.

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.

Moving the three orangutans across the country was not a simple process, logistically or mentally.

Anesthetising three Orangutans to health check and move into their travel crates was a huge job which involved nearly the entire Auckland Zoo veterinary team travelling to Christchurch. They worked alongside the primate team who have built strong, trusting relationships with the Orangtuans. This allowed them to carry out procedures safely and quickly, like hand injecting each primate with sedatives.

They were then given a lunch box before a 15-hour journey to Auckland via a New Zealand Post plane, where they were greeted by Robbins who advised that they travelled well and “they're much more capable and adaptable than we give them credit for.

"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 noted “it’s been a collaboration of people that are all here for the same thing, and that also goes for the design team and build team, everyone that has input into this amazing new facility that we have.

“In my opinion it’s the best orangutan habitat in a zoo, anywhere in the world. Seeing this come to fruition, it’s overwhelming. Now, the really exciting part is about to start. Getting to work with these incredible animals in this world class facility. It’s only just the beginning, I’m very happy.”

Auckland Zoo is about connecting their visitors to wildlife, with the aim to inspire others to care about conservation, and right now orangutans need all the help they can get as they grapple with habitat loss, deforestation, and the oil palm industry – there is an incredible amount of pressure on these animals and their wild homes.

Auckland Zoo are looking forward  to using this world-class facility to connect their visitors to these incredible primates, so that everyone is driven to do their part to ensure their future.