Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance announces euthanization of 32-year-old Sumatran Orangutan

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has announced that Berani, a beloved 32-year-old Sumatran Orangutan, was humanely euthanized on Monday, Sept. 22.

According to DZCA, recent bloodwork and a decline in Berani’s health showed his quality of life decreasing. He had entered end-stage kidney failure. The DZCA’s Animal Care and Health teams decided to euthanize him to prevent suffering.

The DZCA also said that the Sumatran Orangutan showed “remarkable resilience and trust in his caregivers” during his sickness.

Berani came to the DZCA in 2017 from Audubon Nature Institute as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. He quickly became one of the staff, members, and guests’ favorites. He went on to capture the world’s attention in 2020 when became a single father.

Berani’s mate passed away and Berani filled in to raise their infant daughter Cerah. According to the DZCA, it is rare for male orangutans to take on caregiving roles. However, Berani was a “devoted, patient, and caring father figure.”

The DZCA describes Berani as having a “calm presence and gentle spirit.” Berani will also contribute to the future of orangutan care as the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care teams and specialists from across the country use the opportunity to learn more about his kidney disease.

“Our campus will never feel quite the same without him, but Berani’s influence will continue to inspire compassion and advance conservation far beyond DZCA,” reads the press release.

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