Beloved orangutan Teak dies of heart disease

The Louisville Zoo recently announced the loss of one of its most beloved animals, a 36-year-old orangutan, due to a lengthy battle with heart disease.

Teak, a Sumatran and Bornean hybrid orangutan, lived with a heart condition, but his health started deteriorating in recent months, leading to euthanization. “End-of-life decisions are always difficult, especially with a charismatic animal like Teak, but his welfare and quality of life was always our highest priority throughout his care," Zoli Gyimesi, Senior Staff Veterinarian said.

"In the past few months his cardiac function had further deteriorated, compounded by a chronic respiratory illness known as Orangutan Respiratory Disease Syndrome (ORDS)," according to a news release from the zoo. "His longevity is a testament to his resilience and the exceptional care he received."

When Teak was originally diagnosed with heart disease, Joe Lash, a cardiologist for Norton Healthcare, worked closely with veterinary staff on the treatment plan. He was given the same medications used by humans but after a two-and-a-half-year period of comprehensive care, his condition progressed to cardiac failure.

“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.”

Teak was born on Nov. 21, 1987, at the Como Zoo in Minnesota, and was eventually moved to Louisville from the Columbus Zoo in 1996. His half-sister, Amber, also a Sumatran Bornean hybrid orangutan, also joined him.

Dan Maloney, director for Louisville Zoo, said Teak will undoubtedly be missed, as he had a significant impact on the local community.

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

The zoo also released a memorial video for Teak on YouTube. See below.

How long do orangutans live?

An average lifespan of an orangutan is about 30-40 years in the captivity, according to the Louisville Zoo. However, some can live upwards to 50 years in captivity, where as their lifespan in the wild is closer to 40 years.

PROVIDED BY KYLE SHEPHERD Teak, a 36-year-old Sumatran, Bornean hybrid orangutan at the Louisville Zoo, passed away after a lengthy battle with heart disease. He and his half-sister Amber came to Louisville in 1996 from Columbus Zoo.