Zoo’s beloved orangutan dies following battle with heart disease

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) - The Louisville Zoo shared the sad news that their beloved orangutan, Teak was humanely euthanized following a multi-year battle with heart disease.

“Teak was undeniably a Louisville Zoo celebrity,” Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney said. “His remarkable personality made him a wonderful ambassador for his species, inspiring visitors of all ages to care about wildlife.”

Teak, a Sumatran/Bornean hybrid orangutan, was 36 years old.

Known for his steady gaze, the zoo said Teak would often stand in the forefront of his habitat, engaging with guests, and even seemed to take an interest in their footwear.

“While our staff feels the loss of any animal resident, we recognize the passing of Teak resonates as profoundly with our wider community as well,” Maloney said. “We are grateful for everyone who has visited and cared for Teak during his time in Louisville. He was a very special member of our Zoo family and will be greatly missed.”

Teak was battling a chronic respiratory illness known as Orangutan Respiratory Disease Syndrome. After his diagnosis two and half years ago, Teak was prescribed the same medications as those used in humans and had been receiving ongoing treatment.

However, in the last months, the zoo said his cardiac function had further deteriorated and, despite comprehensive care, it progressed to cardiac failure.

“End-of-life decisions are always difficult, especially with a charismatic animal like Teak,” senior staff veterinarian Dr. Zoli Gyimesi said, “but his welfare and quality of life was always our highest priority throughout his care.”

Cardiologist Dr. Joe Lash worked closely with the animal care team and the zoo’s veterinarians to oversee Teak’s heart care.

“We all mourn the loss of Teak to the Louisville Zoo and the community at large,” Lash said. “During these difficult times, I am always reminded and thankful for the skills and caring professionalism of the zoo staff in supporting the complex medical care we at times need to employ to support the primate program.”

Born at the Como Zoo in St. Paul Minnesota on Nov. 21, 1987, Teak and his half-sister, Amber, came to Louisville in 1996 from the Columbus Zoo.

The two were also featured on the David Letterman show with Jack Hanna in 1988.

The Zoo encourages guests looking for a way to honor Teak and his life to support products that use sustainable palm oil to protect orangutan habitats.

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