Oregon Zoo's Oldest Resident - Inji the Orangutan - Gets Older

If you happen by the Oregon Zoo this week, drop by and say happy birthday to Inji, the Orangutan. She is 57-years-old.

The zoo's not sure of her exact birthdate - she was born in the wild. But it was 56-years-ago Monday that she arrived at the zoo, donated by a benefactor.

Not only is she the oldest resident of the zoo, she is the oldest of her species in North America.

"She is the oldest Sumatran orangutan in any accredited zoo in North America," said Asaba Mukobi, the zoo’s senior primate keeper. "Wild orangutans live about 40 years on average, so Inji’s certainly among the very oldest of her species on the entire planet.

"She’s in amazing shape for her age. She has no major health concerns — she isn’t taking any special medication beyond aspirin. Her age and remarkable condition say a lot about the quality of care she’s received over the years."

The zoo says despite her age, Inji does not need any help getting around. They have installed handholds - like the gymnastic rings used in the Olympics. They have also made special Orangutan-strength hammocks with decommissioned fire hoses that were donated by the Clackamas Fie District.

"We're thankful that we've been able to give Inji a good home, but it’s heartbreaking to think about the circumstances that brought her here," Mukobi said. "Even though the pet trade is illegal now, it still exists.

"It is considered a major threat to orangutans’ survival, along with human encroachment and habitat loss from palm oil plantations. Orangutans are at the brink of extinction — especially in Sumatra, where Inji comes from."

Picture courtesy Oregon Zoo