‘Truly special’ primate suddenly becomes ill and dies during treatment at NM zoo
A critically endangered primate suddenly became ill at a New Mexico zoo, then died during treatment, officials said.
Elok, a 24-year-old Sumatran orangutan, was “showing signs of gastrointestinal distress” on Tuesday, July 22, ABQ BioPark said in a July 24 news release. During treatment, he “experienced a cardiac event and could not be revived,” officials at the Albuquerque zoo said, noting he had a preexisting condition affecting his heart.
Elok came to New Mexico from an Oklahoma zoo earlier this year as “part of a carefully coordinated plan to support genetic diversity and healthy social structures within the North American orangutan population,” ABQ BioPark officials said in June.
They highlighted his smarts, curiosity and artistry, saying, “he made headlines a few years back for helping create what’s believed to be the world’s first NFT designed by an orangutan!”
Amber Alink, curator of primates and elephants, described Elok as “incredibly intelligent,” per the July 24 release. He “loved interacting with the animal care staff as much as we loved interacting with him. He was a truly special orangutan,” Alink said.
Alink also said that, “though we only got to spend a small amount of time with him, we will remember him forever.”
Zoo officials said they’re keeping a close eye on the health and behavior of the other orangutans and siamangs for any changes. Male Sumatran orangutans have a median life expectancy of about 25 years, according to zoo staff.
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