DENVER (KDVR) — A beloved and internationally known 32-year-old Sumatran orangutan was humanely euthanized surrounded by the people who loved him most at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on Monday.
In 2024, Berani was diagnosed with kidney disease, which progressed to late-stage kidney failure earlier this year, meaning his organs could no longer function on their own, the zoo said.
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Recent bloodwork showed that he had entered end-stage kidney failure, with a noticeable decline in health and quality of life. So the zoo’s Animal Care and Health teams decided to humanely euthanize him to prevent any suffering, the zoo announced Tuesday.
Caregivers said that Berani taught them a lot about orangutan behavior and redefined what is known about parental care in orangutans. On top of being a dedicated father, caregivers said he was playful, silly, curious and generous. He would bring branches inside to fish things off of shelves, whistle to get people’s attention, use combs to make music, give gifts, paint walls and play with the hose.
The zoo said its staff is “heartbroken” about the loss, but noted that he will live on through his two daughters and by contributing to scientific knowledge that will support conservation efforts worldwide…