11 July 2009

Perth Zoo orangutan Pulang briefly left her exhibit today after working free a climbing rope from her exhibit.

“Orangutans are very intelligent and Pulang at 15-years-old is extremely curious and smart,” said Kylie Bullo, senior orangutan keeper. 

“In this instance Pulang appeared to free a rope from a bolt and swing herself into the visitor area.”

A number of visitors were in the area and apparently filmed her during her short time outside of her exhibit.

“She appeared curious to find herself in the viewing bay and we encouraged her back into her exhibit without too much difficulty,” Ms Bullo.

Perth Zoo Chief Executive Officer Susan Hunt said today that working with animals as intelligent as Sumatran Orangutans meant that there was the possibility that such instances occur.

Perth Zoo undergoes regular inspections on the ropes and poles within each of its six orangutan exhibits.  The exhibit is a state of the art new exhibit designed to mimic the rainforest trees and vines of the Sumatran jungle. 

“Orangutans are of the world’s most intelligent, inquisitive and agile creatures. They are capable of picking locks and undoing bolts and screws,” Ms Hunt said.

“Pulang is gentle animal and she posed no threat to visitors. She appeared as curious as the visitors watching her when she was in the viewing area outside of her exhibit.

“Perth Zoo undertakes regular safety and emergency drills. As a matter of course we will be fully reviewing this incident and de-briefing on the entire process surrounding it.” 

The Zoo’s colony currently comprises eight female and four male Sumatran Orangutans. Pulang currently shares her exhibit with her mother Puan, one of the world’s oldest orangutans.