We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Merah, our beloved 57-year-old female Sumatran orangutan.
After a careful assessment of Merah’s health and quality of life, the decision was made to humanely euthanize her on Wednesday morning, June 3. Merah was receiving specialized care for multiple advanced heath conditions related to her geriatric age. At the time of her passing, Merah was the second-oldest Sumatran orangutan living in North America.
Merah (MEER-ah) was born on May 13, 1969, at a zoo in the Netherlands. She came to the Saint Louis Zoo in 1992. Throughout her lifetime, Merah became a mother of five, grandmother of two and great-grandmother of one, including three babies born at the Saint Louis Zoo — Sugriwa, Ginger and Rubih (ROO-bee). In 2014, at age 45, Merah became the oldest Sumatran orangutan in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP) to give birth and successfully rear an infant. Merah celebrated her 57th birthday in May of this year.
Merah was known for her curious and gentle nature. She was an attentive mother and role model within her family group and set a wonderful example for her daughters on how to raise a young orangutan. Merah’s care team especially loved watching her interact with her youngest grandson, 2-year-old Forest. Merah’s favorite activity was “people watching” and she was often seen “supervising” Zoo staff working around the habitat. She enjoyed “washing” items or habitat windows with bubble bath and taking long comfortable naps snuggled under a sheet.
Merah will be greatly missed by her orangutan family, care team and all who knew her. We are especially grateful to the Animal Care and Animal Health staff whose care and dedication helped Merah live a long, full life. We kindly ask that you keep Merah’s care team in your thoughts during this difficult time.
