Audubon Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of one of its female orangutans, Feliz, after a brief illness. Feliz was the matriarch of Audubon’s orangutan family. She was 36 years old and came to Audubon Zoo from Glady Porter Zoo in Texas in 1989. Feliz is the mother of 15-year-old Menari and 5-year-old Bulan, and grandmother to 2-year-old Roux, all born at Audubon Zoo.
The Audubon veterinary and animal care teams worked around-the-clock to provide care for her and worked closely with additional specialists to assist in her treatment. Audubon veterinarians are awaiting pathology results to determine the exact cause of her illness.
“Feliz was an attentive and nurturing mother and grandmother. She had a keen interest in all babies – orangutan and human. She was a role model and provided mentorship for the other females within the family group when they became first time mothers,” said Christina Daum, Assistant Curator of Primates at Audubon Zoo.
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Her care team said Feliz had a love for turning sheets and blankets into stylish clothing, including jackets and dresses that she would often wear in her habitat. Feliz was also known for her impressive dance moves that she often shared for Zoo guests and her care team. Feliz had a unique whistle that she often used to garner extra attention from her caretakers. According to her care team, Feliz loved to paint and would use a paintbrush using her hand or lips to hold the brush.
“Feliz will be fondly remembered for her perfect bangs, fuzzy apricot colored chin, and all-around perfect personality. She will always have a piece of our hearts,” said Liz Wilson, Curator of Primates, Louisiana Swamp, and Jaguar Jungle at Audubon Zoo.
Audubon’s Primate care team is closely monitoring the orangutan family and helping them through the grieving process while actively caring for each during this extremely emotional time.
Sumatran orangutans like Feliz are critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal pet trade on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Feliz served as a wonderful ambassador for her species and will be deeply missed.
