Ailing Orangutan is Euthanized
at National Zoo
February 16, 2003
Media Contact:
Robert Hoage (202) 673-0209
Cell (301) 442-9800
A 36-year-old, male orangutan was euthanized today at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. In zoos, an average life span for these great apes is about 35. The National Zoo has five remaining orangutans: two adult males and three adult females
The aged great ape was born in 1966 at the National Zoo. He lived at the Zoo for his entire life and produced six offspring with two different mates.
Zoo veterinarians, curators, and animal keepers were monitoring the orangutan closely during the past month when his activity level began to decline. For many years, this orangutan had been treated for severe, age-related arthritis (spondylosis) involving his mid and lower back. Although his activity level began to decline in recent months, his appetite and overall attitude remained normal.
The orangutan's anti-inflammatory medicine—similar to that used in humans (celebrex and Tylenol)—was increased recently, but with limited improvement.
On February 14, the orangutan's condition deteriorated considerably and he was unable to rise. The orangutan was transferred to the Zoo's veterinary hospital for a full physical examination. The primary abnormality was progression of the spondylosis (osteoarthritis) along his vertebral column. Medical treatment with high doses of corticosteroids was initiated.
The Zoo's veterinary team consulted with outside veterinary and human medical experts including a neurologist and a spinal surgeon, to determine whether further tests and subsequent surgery were possible. Unfortunately, the prognosis for recovering mobility following surgery was extremely poor. Veterinarians and consultants recommended continued medical management for 48 hours with high doses of corticosteroids.
Given this information, the Zoo's Director, veterinarians, curators, and keepers agreed that surgery should not be attempted in an animal whose quality of life depends upon being able to move, but that the orangutan should be given time to respond if possible. Animal care staff stayed at the Zoo round the clock, despite the heavy snowstorm, to care for the orangutan but there was no improvement.
On Sunday, February 16, all of
the staff involved
in his care sadly agreed that euthanasia should be performed.
He was euthanized at 11:00 a.m. with an anesthetic overdose,
surrounded by veterinary and keeper staff.
The National Zoo will release a report on the orangutan when the gross necropsy is completed. Final conclusion will be made when the results of more precise pathology tests become available, which may take several weeks.
Media Advisory: Media wishing
further information please contact the Zoo's Office of Public
Affairs at 202-673-0209.
